When Jesus Makes Himself Known
Jesus' presence is the key to spiritual growth and nourishment, and it is essential to have him manifest in our lives.
David Wilkerson emphasizes that the church, before the return of Jesus, will not be characterized by fear and frailty but will flourish in the richness of God's presence. He highlights Isaiah's prophecy of a divine feast prepared for God's people, symbolizing the spiritual nourishment available to those who seek a genuine relationship with Jesus. Young believers are turning away from superficiality and are instead pursuing a deeper connection with Christ, resulting in a transformative presence that impacts their surroundings. The sermon calls for reflection on whether Jesus' presence is evident in our churches and homes, urging believers to cultivate an atmosphere of holiness and adoration. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit is the key to maintaining this divine presence in our lives.
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The prophet Isaiah speaks of the church just prior to the return of Jesus. God's people will not appear frail, wallowing in fear and stressed out. No, they will be flourishing, feasting on "the best food and wine." The Lord is telling us, in essence, "I have saved the best for last and now I am pouring it forth for my people. They are feasting on wonderful things in my presence."
"On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine--the best of meats and the finest of wines" (Isaiah 25:6, NIV).
This incredible feast is taking place all over the world. Young men and women of God are hungry for a gospel that touches them deep in their spirits. They have rejected the gospel of hype, crowds and professionalism and seek only to be shut in with Jesus, receiving revelation from him. They are coming forth from prayer with a fire that stirs everyone around them.
Everything the Lord is doing in these last days is closely tied to his presence, and his feast can only take place where Jesus' presence is manifest. The psalmist says the hills melt like wax in the Lord's presence (see Psalm 97:5). Simply put, every spiritual wall and fleshly blockade evaporates when Jesus makes himself known. Christ's presence is so real when it is manifested that you can almost touch it.
Is the tangible, piercing presence of Jesus evident in your church? Do people go to their knees in all-consuming adoration of him? And do they leave with the special glow of having been in Christ's presence? And what about your home? Do visitors sense the presence of Jesus in your household? Does the aroma of his holiness permeate your family, your marriage, all your relationships?
What a wonderful thing to live in the glow of the presence of Christ! The Holy Spirit will bring and maintain his presence and power in our churches, our homes, and our hearts, if we will closely follow him.
Sermon Outline
- The Promise of God's Presence
- The Manifestation of Jesus' Presence
- The Importance of Jesus' Presence in Our Lives
- Tangible, piercing presence of Jesus
- Aroma of his holiness permeates our lives
Key Quotes
“The Lord is telling us, in essence, 'I have saved the best for last and now I am pouring it forth for my people.'” — David Wilkerson
“Christ's presence is so real when it is manifested that you can almost touch it.” — David Wilkerson
“What a wonderful thing to live in the glow of the presence of Christ!” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- We must seek to have Jesus' presence manifest in our churches and homes.
- The presence of Jesus brings and maintains his power and holiness in our lives.
- We must closely follow the Holy Spirit to maintain Jesus' presence in our lives.