Standing Afar Off

(Ex 20:21) “And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.”

This is an account of the Lord’s attempt to approach the children of Israel that they might come to know him. However, because of the power and majesty of God in (v. 18), the children of Israel decided that it would be better if Moses stood in the gap on their behalf or become a mediator between God and them.

Thus, the children of Israel seemed only to want to know God through the eyes of Moses. This attitude of asking Moses to mediate on their behalf kept many of the children of Israel standing afar off from the Lord; it kept them and God at a distance. Hence, their relationship with God was not what it could have been.

However, you see that same attitude in many churches today. Instead of the individual believer pressing into God in order to build a personal relationship with him, they would rather have the pastor do all the praying on their behalf; they would rather the pastor make all the sacrifices on their behalf; they would rather have the pastor pressing into the things of God that they might get a word from the Lord.

Thus, this type of attitude keeps many believers standing afar off. It is true that we need the 5 fold ministry, but the 5 fold ministry can’t build your relationship with you and the Lord. You must be willing to draw nigh to God on your own. You must be willing to take time out of your personal schedule if you are to have an intimate relationship with the Lord.

In fact, (Heb 4:16) says “Let us (all believers) come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Don’t let it be said that you are standing afar off when it comes to your relationship with the Lord, because the only thing standing in the way of you having an intimate relationship with the Lord is you.

God Bless You

Pastor Versal Mason