Isaiah 33:14. “The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?” WHERE HOLINESS IS. In the presence of God there is joy in the saints - But sinners look for some place to hide. In the holy place of worship where in His glory God waits - Those who are in their sins fear to abide. A person still in their sins fears any light will them expose - How much more, the light of God's holiness. Fear that terrifies the sinners who know God sees deep into their souls, Is because they refused the One who would have them blessed.
Some thought they were okay because they looked fine on the outside. They were more concerned about what men saw than the Lord, When they too are in God's presence, they will be terrified - For God rules by what is real, not by deceitful men's words. The hypocrites find out they are exposed through and through - There is no way they can deceive God who knows all. The same is true today for the Holy God knows me and you - At the judgment is too late on Him for mercy to call.
In the presence of God there is righteousness exposing every sin - The moral glory of the Lord contrasts the character of men. Imputed righteousness makes God's child righteous from within - The acceptance that allows us in, is in the great I AM. To be able to call God “Father,” is a favor that overwhelms - He is eternal in His being; absolute holiness is a divine feature. Yet, fear has left my soul; in its place is a great calm - In the presence of God, I am contented; this is a result of my new nature.
There still is a sense of awe when I speak of His holy name - I do not come casually to Him as if He were a human friend. He bids me come to His throne of grace; through life I often came - And though I still come many times a day; my heart does always bend. Because I am just a man, far away from divine perfection - It is an unspeakable privilege to come before His holy throne. I am grateful for my Great High Priest is always making intercession - I don't fear the flame of His holiness; He has imputed a holiness of my own.
“O Holy God of Grace and Mercy: my heart is bowed but warmed by the great grace of divine acceptance in the Beloved. I love Thee and honor Thee here this morning in this quiet place, and I want to always, in every place. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”