One great need among all followers of Jesus is the tangible experience of the presence of God. What good is it to have a theology that asserts the presence of God is around us everywhere if we have no evidence of it? Has God gone on vacation? Has he left the building?
From beginning to end the Biblical narrative is filled with God’s tangible presence. The first two chapters of Genesis are marked by his personal presence: God personally forms man from the dust of the ground, he kisses the breath of life into the first man, he instructs and guides his children as he walks in the garden with them. At the end of the Bible, the book of Revelation depicts the intimate nature of God’s personal interaction with creation. “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.” (Revelation 21: 3)
From start to finish the scripture reveals the God who is present. He visits Abraham. He wrestles with Jacob. He talks with Moses face to face. He reveals his presence in the cloud and fire around the people of Israel. As Solomon dedicates the temple, God manifests in a cloud so thick with his presence that no one can remain standing or perform the duties of worship. Ezekiel saw God’s traveling throne and Isaiah saw the temple filled with God’s presence and glory.
