Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net
-----Original Message-----
From: "Apostle Tom" <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Mon, 14 May 2007 11:06:05 -0500
To: pressingon@hotmail.com
Subject: Morning Manna (May 15); BP: James 4:1-12; RBTTY: Jn. 4:31-54; II Kings 22-23
May 15 “Drawing Near”
“Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you. .
.”
James 4:8a
He longs for us to do this more than we do.
Have you ever noticed there are some folks you’re just naturally drawn
to and there are others who seem to repulse you? Behavioral scientists say
this happens even in infants and they’re not real sure why this occurs
Perhaps it’s the shape of our faces or eyes. . .the tone and volume of our
voices. . .the size or shape of our bodies, etc.
Regardless, some folks just “ring our bell” when we first meet them;
then, others “turn us off” without even saying a word. That’s why today’s
Manna is one we should ever-remember when it comes to spiritual matters and
things eternal.
In Old Testament days God seemed aloof, distant and impersonal. Even
though He sometimes appeared in burning bushes, clouds of fire, strong
winds, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, etc., He still seemed afar off.
That’s one reason it took a while for folks to believe Jesus was Who He said
He was/is.
And the same still happens today.
The atheist denies God’s existence. The agnostic views Him as little
more than some Cosmic Force. The theist acknowledges Him as an Intelligent
Designer. But, a true Christian knows Him as a personal, knowable Heavenly
Father Who longs for fellowship with us.
Such was definitely the picture James, the brother of Jesus, had in
mind when he penned today’s inspired admonition. He knew we’d not “draw
near” to someone we don’t know or trust. Even when we feel somewhat close
to a friend, we still hesitate to show up at his/her home unannounced unless
it’s some type of emergency.
You only do that to the closest of friends—for you know they’ll never
turn you away or feel put out that you’re interrupting or bothering them.
But, oh, dear Pilgrim, we’ve never had anyone love us more than the
Heavenly Father. And, we’ve never had anyone who yearned for intimacy with
us more than His Son, Jesus Christ.
He’s never too busy for us. He’ll never be having a “bad-hair day” and
simply tolerate us when we “draw near.” A thousand times no! Instead, like
the prodigal son’s father (Lk. 15:11-24), He constantly waits for an
opportunity to put His tender arms around us and let us know how much He
loves us. Hallelujah!!
Even though James’ words—“Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to
you”—seem to indicate that we must take the first step, the fact remains
that He’s already taken the first step. . .and the second step. . .and the
third step, etc. (I Jn. 4:19). Simply put, when we show the slightest
indication to “draw near,” He’s right there, ready to demonstrate His
steadfast love to us. We simply have to “submit ourselves to Him. . . and
humble ourselves in His sight” (James 4:7, 10). Why not “draw near” to Him
right now? He’s waiting.
_________________________________________________________________
PC Magazine’s 2007 editors’ choice for best Web mail—award-winning Windows
Live Hotmail.
http://imagine-windowslive.com/hotmail/?locale=en-us&ocid=TXT_TAGHM_migration_HM_mini_pcmag_0507
No comments:
Post a Comment