“And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus Himself drew near, and went with them.” Luke 24:15
What is the great objective, and reason, for man’s existence? The answer is found in Jesus’ definition of eternal life: “And this is eternal life, that they might KNOW Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” (Jn. 17:3) Man was NOT created to do something for God, neither to live independently of God. He was not destined to simply live a good life and then die. His purpose was not just to know the truths of God, worship Him, and serve Him. How can this be? These things which are noble, good, and right in the sight of God, have been revealed to, and given by God, that man might truly KNOW God, commune with Him. And on this subject, much is understood and explained by the simple word, “proximity,” or drawing near to God.
In the Garden of Eden, there was not an issue with proximity with God, for though He would walk with Adam and Eve in the garden, His manifest presence, by his unlimited peace, joy, and love, revealed to the couple, was always “near,” known and experienced. There was always that presence, whether visible or not, that Adam and Eve knew, felt, and were not separated from. That would change with Adam’s sin. At that moment there was a separation, division, rupture of the fellowship, and nearness of God. Instead of living in the bliss of God’s presence and nearness, they fled from him in fear, shame, and guilt. This effect of sin resulted in the removal of the consciousness of God’s presence. God’s presence became a memory, instead of the fullness of blessing known before. Sadly, the effect of man’s sin has been passed down to humanity. Instead of the knowledge of God in its fulness, mankind will now know the depths of human depravity in all of its hideous shapes and forms. The nearness of God which Adam knew was now gone. Only by the coming of Christ, and His sacrifice, that a way would be provided to save man from the effect of sin’s wages, death, but to provide a clear path by which man can again know the very presence of God. Here, in some small measure, man would again know this peace, joy, and love of God. This would result in a consciousness of the nearness of God. Christ would become a reality to the individual, bringing him or her to the consciousness, conviction, and confirmation of the very real presence of God.
In the story of Jacob, we find him in a rather deserted place, where he had a dream. He saw a ladder set upon the earth, reaching into heaven, the angels of God ascending and descending upon it, with the Lord standing above it. It is then that the Lord reveals Himself to Jacob by saying: “I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac.” (Gen. 28:13) After giving to Jacob several promises of great significance, we find Jacob awaking from his sleep. Scripture tells us that he was afraid, and said, “How dreadful is this place! This is none other but the house of God and this is the gate of heaven.” (v.17) God took the initiative and “drew” out Jacob, bringing him to the place of being, not only aware of God’s very real presence with him, but being convinced of HIs nearness. Jacob would be changed that day, for he would never forget the place he would call, Bethel. Many years later, Jesus would draw near to two disciples on their way to Emmaus. Here they would know the nearness of His presence.
How can one KNOW the nearness of God today? David tells us it is first by having clean hands, no unconfessed sin. Secondly, one must have a pure heart, singular, earnest, and whole-hearted commitment to Christ. Thirdly, there must be no vain pursuit, but only that which is of God. And lastly, there must be no deceit, or lie, only clarity, honesty of heart. (Ps. 24:4)
Father, Grant us to know the nearness of Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.