Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- December 25, 2010
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:1, 14).
God came near us on Christmas via the birth of Jesus, so that we could draw near to Him for eternity by our spiritual re-birth based on our belief in Jesus Christ. The Son of God became the son of man, so we could become children of God. It is an inspiring image to see the Lord leave His throne in heaven to be laid in a manger on earth. “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:6-7).
How can this be that God would leave glory, to bring His glory to earth? Can the human mind fully comprehend His depth of love and outpouring of compassion? The sacredness of our Savior’s birth can easily get lost in the commercialism of the Christmas season. He dwelt with us on earth, so that we could dwell with Him now and forever more in heaven.
Are you grateful that the Almighty draws near to His creation even when the created ones avoid His advances? Indeed, His holy love is relentless to reach out to those who reject Him and to those who have been rejected by others on earth. He draws near to the nobody’s, the somebody’s, the atheist’s, the almost Christians, the new Christians, the backslidden Christians and the Christians who are growing in grace. However, distance brings distrust, “She obeys no one, she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the LORD, she does not draw near to her God” (Zephaniah 3:2). So draw near and your faith will flourish.
The simple act of drawing near to the Lord does what the law never could, “The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God” (Hebrews 7:18-19). God replaces guilt with hope and performance with acceptance. Having a close proximity to Christ produces enduring faith, patient love and encouraging hope.
So are you drawing near to your Heavenly Father as He draws near to you? Do you allow Him to get up close and personal in your character, your choices and your convictions? There is no downside to drawing near to God. He’s got your back, your front and both sides. You draw near to Him and there is no fear. You draw near to Him and there is peace and forgiveness. You draw near to Him and get the sense that everything is ok, because He is ok and He is in control.
“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience…” (Hebrews 10:22a).
Do I allow the Lord to draw near to my heart, mind and soul? Do I reciprocate by drawing near to Him in faith, worship, confession, repentance and thanksgiving?
Related Readings: Isaiah 7:14; 51:5; Luke 21:28; Hebrews 10:1
Join me and your fellow wisdom hunters, as we walk where Jesus walked in Israel and Egypt, April 27 – May 8, 2011. Visit http://wisdomhunters.com/holyland2011/ for more details. Limited spaces available, deadline to sign up is January 14th.
Learn how you can help us reach other Wisdom Hunters with your monthly donation… click here: http://wisdomhunters.com/support-wh/
