The Radiance of Christ’s Presence: A Path to Pleasing Him in Today’s World

In the quiet of the evening, I found myself immersed in a chapter from “Hungry For More of Jesus: Experiencing His Presence In These Troubled Times” by David Wilkerson. The words within spoke of a profound truth – the transformative power of Christ’s presence in our lives and its relevance in the world today.

“When the presence of Jesus is manifested, it exposes all secrets and brings all hidden things into the open. God’s people forsake all darkness and become open books, to be “read of all men” (2 Corinthians 3:2, KJV). Listen to the language of the spirit of holiness: “We keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight” (1 John 3:22, KJV). In the Greek translation, these words are very strong: “We keep His commandments, holding to them with great excitement, because we know it pleases Him!”

Here is how I believe this spirit of holiness operates in a church where the presence of Jesus is manifested:
First of all, brothers and sisters come to your church in victory with the smiles of overcomers. They testify, “I’m being changed! The Lord is putting a desire in my heart to obey Him and walk blameless before His presence.” And as you witness this, your spirit rejoices, saying within, “Thank God, these servants are bringing Him pleasure! My brothers and my sisters are making heaven rejoice!” Your excitement extends beyond the freedom we presently enjoy, and beyond our rescue from the devil’s power. It stems from the fact that, more than all else, you are becoming a body that is learning how to please Him. You obey not out of duty nor out of fear, but because a spirit of obedience lives inside you. You delight in Christ’s joy, rejoicing that His heart rejoices! This is true holiness.”

Wilkerson, David. Hungry For More of Jesus: Experiencing His Presence In These Troubled Times. Chosen Books (June 1, 1992)

The excerpt illuminated the idea that when we encounter the presence of Jesus, it acts as a divine light, exposing hidden secrets and bringing concealed truths into the open. God’s call to His people is clear: forsake darkness and become open books, living testimonies “read of all men” (2 Corinthians 3:2, KJV).

At the core of this passage lies the essence of 1 John 3:22 (KJV): “We keep His commandments, holding to them with great excitement because we know it pleases Him.” These words, when understood in their full depth, remind us that our obedience to Christ isn’t driven by mere obligation or fear but by a profound desire to bring joy to His heart.

Imagine a world where the presence of Jesus radiates in the hearts of believers. In such a world, people come together with faces bearing the triumphant smiles of overcomers. They share stories of transformation, testifying, “I’m being changed! The Lord is instilling in me a desire to obey Him and walk blamelessly before His presence.”

In this vision, our spirits unite in celebration, not for our deliverance from darkness alone, but for our collective journey towards becoming a people who earnestly seek to please Him. Obedience is no longer a burden; it becomes a joyful response to the indwelling spirit of holiness.

True holiness, as revealed in Wilkerson’s words, is about delighting in Christ’s joy. It’s about rejoicing because His heart rejoices when we obey. It’s a longing to bring pleasure to our Savior, not out of duty but out of a heartfelt desire.

As we contemplate these profound insights, let us consider how they can enrich our lives in today’s world. Christ’s presence remains as transformative now as it was in the past. It serves as a beacon of hope and truth in a world often shrouded in darkness and confusion.

In our daily lives, let us carry this message with us. Let us strive to be living testimonies, reflecting the radiant light of Christ in our actions and choices. Let us embrace obedience as a source of great excitement, understanding that it pleases our Lord. By doing so, we not only find meaning and purpose but also become beacons of hope and examples of genuine transformation in a world hungry for more of Jesus.