In The Day Of Thy Power

All of humanity needs to experience the power of God. Yet, what does that look like on the ground?  In the following post I would like to reflect on some passages that demonstrate what happens when God shows up.

In describing the manifest presence of God, the prophet Nahum declared, “The mountains quake before him and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, the world and all who live in it” (Nahum 1:5).

In a similar way God spoke through the Prophet Jeremiah exclaiming, “‘Should you not fear me?’ declares the LORD. ‘Should you not tremble in my presence?’ ” (Jeremiah 5:22).

The Lord quickened Ezekiel with the same truth; declaring through him, “All the people on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence” (Ezekiel 38:20). 

We cannot overlook Malachi, the last prophet of the Old Testament, who boldly exclaimed, “Who can stand when He appears?” (Malachi 3:2).

Wow! In reading all these passages it's clear that God's presence is overpowering. Whenever He shows up, virtually everything begins to tremble and fall to the ground.

This seems clear enough from the Bible, but some have taken issue - not only with my conclusion - but with my usage of Scripture. One detractor even asked why I didn't point out other passages that depict things like "joy" and "peace" coming from God's presence.

Let me be clear, there are certainly a number of different passages that depict different things that transpire in God's presence. I'm not trying to make an exhaustive argument here. I am only suggesting that there is a strong precedence in Scripture that when God shows up the natural order begins to tremble.

God's presence certainly brings different responses at different times and Scripture is good about showing that rich diversity. Let me be clear in saying I have no argument against joy and peace.

Moreover, I understand that some people don't like the idea that when God shows up people fall to the ground or shake violently. Yet, if that kind of response does not fit your religious sensibilities, which one does? 

Don't criticize my Scriptural response to the manifest presence of God if you are unwilling to offer an alternative.

You must come to realize that the presence of God always brings some kind of response.