coming near to God

Come near to God and he will come near to you. (James 4:8; TNIV)

I am reminded of God appearing to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3). God told Moses to take off his scandals. For the place he was standing on, was holy ground. God took the initiative. Now it was up to Moses to come near, and not to flee.

We have something of the same prerogative that was put before Moses. True, it is not normally in miracles. Though for those with eyes to see, there may be a miracle in the picture, at least somewhere.

We have the opportunity to come near to God through Christ. Because of Christ's life, death, resurrection and ascension, and his sending of the promise of the Father, the blessed Holy Spirit.

It's up to us. The most ordinary of us can come near to and live close to God. The most gifted among us can be too busy with other things, or even turn away. Or fail to see that this possibility is even open, much less important.

It is a relationship we're reflecting on here. In relationships, to become closer to someone, we seek to spend time in their presence, with them. Then is when the relationship can grow and the bond become increasingly strong.

Notice God's promise in the James passage. If we come near to him, he will come near to us! Quite astounding. God has taken the initiative for us in providing this great salvation in Jesus by which we're reconciled to God so that we, by faith, can become his friends.

Now we must open our hearts, minds and lives to him. We must come near to him, as best we know how. Through reading Scripture, prayer, repentance, praise, singing, meditating, fellowshiping with others in the Jesus community. As we seek to draw close to God then he will draw close to us (NLT).

This is not pietistic drivel. It is powerful, and life changing, not only to the one who seeks to engage in this walk (like Enoch), but for those around them. So that they too, in turn, can seek to come near to God.

Father, Forgive us for the much time we've lived, not seeking to come near to you. Let us, in your Son and by your Spirit come near to you. Knowing that as we do so you will come near to us. So that we may live in your presence in which is full joy, always and forever. Amen.