“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you” (James 4:8a KJV).
Christ followers are called to be a people characterized by joy – a people of celebration – a people who are aware of the Presence of the Savior in our midst. In Matthew 9, we read where the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked why his disciples did not fast in the same way that they and the Pharisees fasted. Jesus answered (v9): "Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them?" If we are aware of the Bridegroom's presence, there is a reason to celebrate in our worship. In the verse we read from James’ letter, we find a short, simple phrase: "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." James is telling us that the God Who created the universe – wants to be near us. God designed everything that exists for one purpose: to be with us. What else could explain the Incarnation and the willingness of God to suffer and die to redeem humanity? After all, you would think that He could have just started over with some other kind of Creation; but He made us in His Image and after His likeness for a reason. We are designed for eternal fellowship with God. The uniqueness of our design not only differentiates us from the rest of the created order; but enables us to interact with God in our daily life. That's why God (in Exodus 34:14) declares: "For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God" (KJV). The New Living Translation reads: "God…is jealous about His relationship with you." So, when God says He is jealous, He does not mean the petty, possessive jealousy we humans express; He is indicating a holy passion toward us. God is passionate about His relationship with you (think about it). Why do we avoid His presence? Why do we keep Him at a distance when we could have a close relationship with Him? This isn't a new reality – it goes all the way back to the beginning – to Adam’s sin – from the moment humanity chose disobedience, a distance was created between us and God. Jesus went to the Cross to close that distance. He suffered and died and bore our sin, our guilt, and our shame, so that He could open a door of access into His abiding presence. And still, we hide from His voice. Why? Maybe we are held back by guilt and shame or fear and doubt or just distracted by “this life” things. Still, the invitation is there, “Draw near.”
