Experiences of God's Presence , Sermon on Exodus 24:1–11 | sermon by Father. Mungamuri Devadasu | Bible Mission

Prayer: Father, we give joyful thanks to You, the One who revealed Your divine presence to Your people and introduced them to Your ways. We cannot comprehend or imagine how You transform us into glorious beings or adorn us with divine splendor when we are in Your presence. Yet, from that same glorious presence, grant us Your living Word today. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Moses was born, raised in Pharaoh’s palace, and nourished with royal food. Before even writing the fifth commandment, he broke it by committing sin and fled. In the wilderness, he shepherded sheep, encountered God’s direct presence, was sent like an apostle, and faced the very household in which he had grown up. He led the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt, endured their complaints in the desert, and guided them faithfully.

God commanded Moses to build a visible tabernacle in the wilderness. Within it:

1. The Outer Court – where sacrifices were offered,
2. The Holy Place – where priests (the devout) ministered,
3. The Most Holy Place – where only Moses and God dwelt.

Moses' life can be divided into three periods of forty years:

• The first 40 years: learning all the wisdom of Egypt in Pharaoh’s palace,
• The second 40 years: tending sheep in Midian,
• The third 40 years: leading Israel,
• And at the end: building the tabernacle for God’s indwelling presence.

We are now in the final days before Christ’s coming, and like Moses, the presence of God is essential.

Whether one person, two, or three are gathered, it's enough. In Barampuram, there were five in such a prayer group. According to Father Devadasu’s teachings, even seven people may gather in God's presence. Just like the twelve disciples or twelve tribes, the Lord appointed twelve for His purposes. In Vijayawada, seven were selected for the presence gatherings. In the early Church, 120 believers were present. That’s 12 times 10—symbolic fullness.

Pastor Joseph would wake at 5 a.m., pour water to wash, pray, and send his children off with a blessing. Even without time, the family would at least recite the Lord’s Prayer together. He would stop whatever he was doing to pray wherever he was.

Father M. Devadasu, while in Luthargiri, would enter the prayer hall slowly after children finished lunch and singing, and he would say a short prayer:

"Lord, You are coming soon. Prepare us quickly.”
Sometimes, children who arrived late would find the prayer already finished. Yet, just as in Moses’ time, when the cloud descended upon the tabernacle, every Israelite would stand in front of their tents with folded hands—the same way, wherever you are, stand with folded hands when it's time to pray.

In a town, the church bell rang at 6 a.m. and the congregation would arrive, sing a hymn, read the Word, pray, and leave. Daily, God would give a new thought to meditate on—Jeremiah 12:1. “Lord, though You are righteous, why do the wicked prosper?” For such questions, God gives insights through prayer.

In some Catholic communities (R.C.M.), as soon as the bell rings, people—wherever they are—pause and silently say the rosary, even interrupting conversations with priests to resume later. This discipline is admirable.

In the Millennial Kingdom, it is the women who will crown the Lord, because sin came through woman, and thus they will labor more for the Lord’s glory. After entering heaven, the faithful will have much to do:

1. Singing praises,
2. Beholding the face of the Lord,
3. Offering continuous thanksgiving,
4. Conversing with saints and angels.

To praise God by saying, “Lord, thank You for bringing me here from the sinful world to this holy place”—this is the greatest worship.

Blessing: May the Bridegroom graciously grant you also such experiences of divine presence, the grace to sit before Him, and the determination and dedication to persevere in His presence. Amen.