Embracing God's Presence: Past, Present, and Future

Summary

Today we gathered to reflect on the profound truth of God’s presence—Yahweh Shema, “The Lord is there.” From the very beginning, God’s desire has been to dwell with His people. We traced this theme through the story of Scripture, starting in Eden, where Adam and Eve rejected God’s presence out of selfishness, choosing their own way over relationship with Him. In the Exodus, we saw how God’s people initially welcomed His presence with joy, but when hardship came, they grumbled and longed for the comfort of their old lives, revealing how easily we can desire God’s blessings without embracing the cost of following Him.

During the exile, as Israel returned to a ruined Jerusalem, the people wept over the loss of former glory, struggling to see that God’s presence was still with them, even if it looked different than before. This reminds us not to idolize the past, but to trust that God is at work in new ways, even when circumstances change. The ultimate revelation of God’s presence came in Jesus—Emmanuel, “God with us.” In Christ, God stepped into our world, fulfilling prophecy, living a perfect life, dying for our sins, and rising again so that we could be reconciled to Him. Through Jesus, our sins are not only forgiven but removed, and we are welcomed into God’s family.

Looking ahead, we have the promise of eternity in the new heavens and new earth, where God’s presence will be fully realized. There will be no more pain, death, or sorrow—only perfect communion with Him. Yet, even now, we are invited to experience God’s presence in our daily lives. While we cannot control or manufacture His presence, we can position ourselves to receive it: by putting to death the flesh, confessing sin, pursuing godly things, pointing others to Jesus, and praying with expectancy. God’s presence is both our hope for the future and our strength for today. Let us long for Him, trust Him in every season, and be ready for Him to move in ways we may not expect.

Key Takeaways

- Selfishness is the Root of Rejecting God’s Presence
Adam and Eve’s choice in Eden was not just about breaking a rule, but about preferring their own desires over God’s presence. Selfishness blinds us to the goodness of God and leads us to seek fulfillment apart from Him. Every time we choose our way over His, we echo that ancient rejection, but repentance opens the door for restored fellowship. [36:07]

- God’s Presence Brings Both Blessing and Cost
The Israelites rejoiced at God’s deliverance but recoiled when hardship followed. We often want the benefits of God’s nearness without the challenges it brings. True discipleship means embracing both the joys and the trials of walking with God, trusting that His presence is worth any cost. [39:37]

- Nostalgia Can Hinder Us from Recognizing God’s Work Today
When the exiles returned and rebuilt the temple, some wept because it wasn’t like the old days. It’s easy to idolize past experiences of God and miss what He’s doing now. God’s presence is not confined to our memories; He is always doing a new thing, inviting us to trust Him in the present. [43:29]

- Jesus is the Ultimate Revelation of God’s Presence
In Christ, God came near in a way never seen before—He became one of us, bore our sin, and made a way for us to be with Him forever. Our experience of God’s presence today and our hope for eternity both hinge on what we believe about Jesus. Faith in Him is the doorway to true communion with God. [48:21]

- We Position Ourselves for God’s Presence, but Cannot Control It
Spiritual disciplines—putting to death the flesh, pursuing godliness, sharing Jesus, and prayer—prepare our hearts for God’s presence, but we cannot command Him. Like the wind, the Spirit moves as He wills. Our role is to be ready, expectant, and open, trusting that God will show up in His perfect way and timing. [55:02]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:00] - Power Outage and God’s Care in the Details
[05:00] - Praying for Jim Norris
[07:00] - Bible Camp Reflections and Baptism
[10:00] - Introduction to Yahweh Shema
[13:00] - Trinitarian Greeting in Revelation
[16:00] - The Already and Not Yet of God’s Kingdom
[19:00] - God’s Manifest Presence in Scripture
[22:00] - Five Snapshots of God’s Presence
[25:00] - Eden: God’s Presence Rejected
[28:00] - Exodus: God’s Presence Reluctantly Received
[32:00] - Exile: God’s Presence Remembered and Rediscovered
[36:00] - Emmanuel: God’s Presence Revealed in Jesus
[40:00] - Eternity: God’s Presence Realized
[44:00] - How to Position Yourself for God’s Presence
[48:00] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Yahweh Shema – The Lord is There

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### Bible Reading

Genesis 3:1-7 (ESV)
> Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.

Exodus 14:10-12 (ESV)
> When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.”

Matthew 1:20-23 (ESV)
> But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

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### Observation Questions

1. In Genesis 3, what were the three reasons Eve (and Adam) chose to eat the fruit, and how did these reasons reflect their attitude toward God’s presence? [34:20]
2. When the Israelites faced hardship at the Red Sea in Exodus 14, how did their attitude toward God’s presence and leadership change compared to when they first heard about God’s deliverance? [37:14]
3. According to Matthew 1, what does the name “Immanuel” mean, and why is it significant in the story of Jesus’ birth? [45:44]
4. In the sermon, what was the response of the older Israelites when the new temple foundation was laid after the exile, and what does this reveal about their expectations of God’s presence? [41:26]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says Adam and Eve’s choice was rooted in selfishness, preferring their own desires over God’s presence. Why does selfishness so often lead people to distance themselves from God? [36:07]
2. The Israelites wanted God’s blessings but struggled with the cost of following Him. What does this reveal about the human tendency to want God’s gifts without embracing the challenges of discipleship? [39:37]
3. The older Israelites wept over the new temple because it wasn’t like the old one. How can nostalgia for the past keep people from seeing or accepting what God is doing in the present? [43:29]
4. The sermon says Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God’s presence. Why is faith in Jesus described as the “doorway” to true communion with God? [48:21]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon points out that selfishness is at the root of rejecting God’s presence. Can you think of a recent time when you chose your own way over God’s? What was the outcome, and what would repentance look like in that situation? [36:07]
2. When have you found yourself wanting God’s blessings but not wanting the cost or challenges that come with following Him? How did you respond, and what might it look like to embrace both the joys and trials of walking with God? [39:37]
3. Are there ways you have idolized the past—either in your spiritual life or in the church—and struggled to see what God is doing now? How can you open yourself to trust God’s work in the present, even if it looks different than before? [43:29]
4. The sermon says we can’t control or manufacture God’s presence, but we can position ourselves to receive it. Which of the spiritual disciplines mentioned (putting to death the flesh, confessing sin, pursuing godly things, sharing Jesus, praying with expectancy) do you find most challenging? Why? [55:02]
5. Jesus is described as “God with us.” How does this truth affect the way you approach your daily life, especially in times of loneliness, fear, or uncertainty? [45:44]
6. The promise of eternity is perfect communion with God—no more pain, death, or sorrow. How does this future hope shape the way you handle suffering or disappointment today? [49:13]
7. The sermon encourages us to pray with expectancy, trusting God to move in ways we may not expect. Is there an area of your life where you need to pray more expectantly? What would it look like to do that this week? [55:02]

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Close in prayer, asking God to help the group long for His presence, trust Him in every season, and be ready for Him to move in new ways.

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Presence Rejected—The Danger of Selfishness

From the very beginning, humanity has struggled with the temptation to reject God’s presence in favor of selfish desires. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve chose their own way over God’s command, seeking wisdom and satisfaction apart from Him. This act of rebellion was rooted in the desire for something more, something outside of God’s provision, and it led to separation from His presence. Even today, we are tempted to put our own wants and ambitions above God’s will, forgetting that true fulfillment is found only in relationship with Him. When we choose selfishness, we distance ourselves from the nearness and blessing of God, just as Adam and Eve did. [34:20]

Genesis 3:1-7 (ESV)
Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are tempted to choose your own way over God’s will? How can you surrender that desire to Him today?


Day 2: God’s Presence Reluctantly Received—Wanting Blessings Without the Cost

The Israelites experienced God’s miraculous deliverance from Egypt, yet when faced with hardship, they quickly complained and longed for the comfort of their old life. They wanted the blessings of God’s presence but resisted the challenges and sacrifices that came with following Him. This tension is familiar to us: we desire God’s help and favor, but we often shrink back when obedience requires perseverance, trust, or discomfort. True faith means embracing both the joys and the trials that come with walking in God’s presence, trusting that He is with us through every circumstance. [39:37]

Exodus 14:10-12 (ESV)
When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.”

Reflection: When have you found yourself wanting God’s blessings but resisting the challenges of following Him? What is one step of obedience you can take today, even if it’s difficult?


Day 3: God’s Presence Remembered—Letting Go of the Past to Embrace God’s New Work

After returning from exile, the Israelites rebuilt the temple’s foundation and celebrated, but some wept because it did not match the glory of the former temple. It is easy to long for the “good old days” and miss what God is doing now. God’s presence is not confined to our memories or past experiences; He is at work in new ways, even if they look different than before. We are called to remember His faithfulness but also to move forward, trusting that He is present and active in our lives today, shaping us for His purposes. [43:29]

Ezra 3:10-13 (ESV)
And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests in their vestments came forward with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the Lord according to the directions of David king of Israel. And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.” And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. But many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers’ houses, old men who had seen the first house, wept with a loud voice when they saw the foundation of this house being laid, though many shouted aloud for joy, so that the people could not distinguish the sound of the joyful shout from the sound of the people’s weeping, for the people shouted with a great shout, and the sound was heard far away.

Reflection: Is there something from your past that you are holding onto, making it hard to see what God is doing now? How can you thank God for the past while embracing His work in your present?


Day 4: God’s Presence Revealed—Jesus, Emmanuel, God With Us

The ultimate revelation of God’s presence is found in Jesus Christ, who entered our world as Emmanuel, “God with us.” Through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and resurrection, Jesus made a way for us to be reconciled to God and experience His presence in a personal, transformative way. The forgiveness and new life He offers are not just theological truths but realities that change everything about how we live and relate to God. What we believe about Jesus determines whether we walk in the fullness of God’s presence today and for eternity. [48:21]

Matthew 1:20-23 (ESV)
But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel” (which means, God with us).

Reflection: What do you truly believe about Jesus, and how does that belief shape your daily experience of God’s presence?


Day 5: God’s Presence Realized—Living in Anticipation of Eternity

One day, God’s presence will be fully realized when He dwells with His people in the new heavens and new earth. There will be no more pain, sorrow, or death—only perfect fellowship with God. While we wait for that day, we are called to live in anticipation, putting to death the deeds of the flesh, pursuing godly things, pointing others to Jesus, and praying for God to move in our lives. We cannot control when or how God’s presence will manifest, but we can prepare our hearts and lives to receive Him, trusting that He is making all things new. [50:31]

Revelation 21:1-5 (ESV)
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Reflection: How does the promise of God’s future presence in eternity inspire you to live differently today? What is one way you can prepare your heart for His presence now?

Quotes

Theologians, smart people who study this, they say it's the already but not yet. The kingdom of God is here already because we believe in Christ. You believe in Jesus. You trust in him. You have Jesus Christ in your life. But there's coming a day where he's actually going to come back and be here ultimately. That day is coming. [00:28:02] (18 seconds)  #AlreadyButNotYet Edit Clip

So the key to eternal life, to this young man, wasn't the selling of his stuff, but it was the following me, Jesus said. But in order to follow me, he had to get rid of the selfish stuff in his life that stood in between him taking that step of faith and following Jesus. And for that rich young man, it was all of his wealth. And so he turns away. He rejects Jesus. He rejects the presence of God out of selfishness and goes away sad. [00:36:29] (30 seconds)  #FollowJesusBeyondWealth Edit Clip

We want the blessings that God's presence brings, but we don't want the hardships, the persecution and the challenges he also brings to us. So the presence of God is amazing. God wants to do a work in your life like you've never had done before, but there is a cost. When you stand for God, when you stand for the Lord Jesus Christ, there's going to be hardships and persecution. Jesus said that this would happen. [00:39:20] (33 seconds)  #CostOfFaithfulPresence Edit Clip

Now, there are a lot of Christians in a lot of churches you can go find that they're going to focus in on all the blessings that you're going to get. You're going to get a lot of blessings if you come to Jesus. Your life is going to be wonderful. You want healing? Do you want blessing? All of that is available to you in Jesus Christ. And it's true. It is true. But the other side of that coin is Jesus said, in this life you will have trouble, but take heart, I've overcome the world. We're not immune to persecution, hardships and challenges. And any brand of Christianity that says that you will avoid these things is a lying brand of Christianity. [00:39:52] (43 seconds)  #BlessingsAndTrialsTruth Edit Clip

God's ultimate presence was revealed in Jesus as he stepped into time and space as our Messiah, revealing God's plan in his life, perfect life, his death and his resurrection. He fulfilled Old Testament prophecy. He became our sacrifice. The Day of Atonement, back in the nation of Israel's day, it was a symbolic thing, pointing forward to the day that the Messiah was going to be the ultimate sacrifice. [00:46:26] (29 seconds)  #JesusUltimatePresence Edit Clip

``So not only does he pay for our sin, past, present, or future, he removes our sin from us so that when we stand before God, he doesn't see us in our sin, he sees Jesus' perfection and righteousness. This all comes by God's grace through faith in the life of a person. This is God's presence revealed. [00:47:46] (23 seconds)  #FaithDefinesPresence Edit Clip

Heaven that is to come is the realization of the presence of God in a way that in some ways we can't even begin to fathom. Jesus goes on to say in verse 5, behold, I am making all things new. Somebody would say, hey, what are we going to do in heaven all that time? Well, we can never exhaust the person of God and his goodness and his presence. And he's making everything new all the time. I don't know about you, but I love new stuff. I love new shoes, the way they smell. I love the new car smell that I never get to smell, but I imagine it sometime. I love new stuff. And God is making all things new. That's the description, Jesus says, of heaven. [00:50:41] (43 seconds)  #DailyStepsToPresence Edit Clip

First one is this, put to death the flesh. The flesh is a sinful nature. We all have it. In Romans chapter 8, verse 12, we said, Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So put up a fight against your flesh. Don't just give in to every desire that you have. Put to death the deeds of the flesh. That's what a believer is commanded to do. [00:52:01] (34 seconds)  #ConfessToReceive Edit Clip

Let me just close with this because I want to be careful. It's not that we do these four things and all of a sudden now the presence of God falls on us. In John chapter 3, Nicodemus is talking with Jesus and Nicodemus says, what must I do to be saved to have eternal life? And he says, you must be born again. And he says, how can I be born again? And Jesus says this, the wind blows where it may. We don't know where it comes from. We can hear it and we can see the effects of it, but it just comes as it may. That's the same with the Holy Spirit, he says. And so we can't control the Holy Spirit. He just shows up, but we want to be ready and we want to invite him to show up in ways that he hasn't in the past. And that's what we're longing for. God is here. God is there in the city that yet to come, but he's here now as well. [00:54:54] (65 seconds) Edit Clip