Facedown

"Moses and Aaron went from the assembly to the entrance to the tent of meeting and fell facedown, and the glory of the LORD appeared to them."

Numbers 20:6

"Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking."

Ezekiel 1:28

"Fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it,they shouted for joy and fell facedown."

Leviticus 9:24

The Bible holds many stories of people who come into the presence of God and hide their face or "fall facedown" before God or His angels. Some hid because they were afraid if they saw the face of God they would surely die. Others fell facedown because the Glory of God was simply so powerful it was the only appropriate place to be.

As I listened to the lyrics to Matt Redman's song "Facedown" I started to think about falling facedown before the Lord. I can't say that I have ever fallen facedown. Why? Is it because God is no longer as powerful and mighty as He was in the Old Testament? Is it because I am more worthy than Moses, Zechariah, Isaiah or David and don't need to humble myself before God? Or is it because I simply have not acknowledged His power?

Welcomed in to the courts of the King

I've been ushered in to Your presence

Lord, I stand on Your merciful ground

Yet with every step tread with reverence

And I'll fall facedown

As Your glory shines around

Who is there in the heavens like You?

And upon the earth, who's Your equal?
You are far above, You're the highest of heights
We are bowing down to exalt You

Facedown, Matt Redman

I find myself challenged to see what would happen if I fell facedown before God. In a true spirit of worship, if I put myself in this position, what could happen? The worse thing that could happen would be that I have a good prayer time and get up dirty.