Come Close to Me

I have been thinking about Jesus as our high priest who ever lives to make intercessions for us. In reading from Hebrews this week, I have been asking the Lord, what is on your heart for us?  In this time of so many changes in our world and in our lives, what are you saying Lord? I believe Jesus is telling us to come close to Him today. Consider Matthew 11:28-30;

“Come unto me all ye that are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give is light.”

So how do we come to Jesus . . . especially when we have sinned or avoided Him? In Hebrews 3-4, the Lord makes it clear that “rest” is not possible in the middle of disobedience. The good news is that through the blood of Jesus we can ask for forgiveness and repent! I am so thankful for the forgiveness and repentance God gives me when I listen and obey Him. I am also aware of the hardness of my heart that fights this process. I am asking the Lord to draw me nearer to Him.  James 4:8 says . . .

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you, wash your hands and purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.”

In a time of social distancing, Jesus is the opposite!  We can confidently pray to Him and ask for help. Can you pray this with me? Jesus help us to draw nearer to you today, you have plans for us today and you make a way when there seems to be no way. Jesus calls out come close unto me, because he can be touched with the feelings of our weaknesses. He said to Thomas come “close, touch my pierced side and look at my nailed scarred hands.”   Today, in my weakness, I am crying out for closeness to Jesus who sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven. Jesus is forever interceding for you and me. Isaiah 40: 27-31 says,

“He gives power to the faint. Our way is not hid from him. He said we will run and not be weary through the strength he gives” (My version).

In a time where many in the world are practicing social distancing, God is NOT! There is approximately six feet between the Son of God’s hands nailed to the cross for you and me. Jesus calls for us to come and receive forgiveness, a full pardon and mercy from Him. He bore all our sins and He made intercession for the transgressors, Isaiah 53:12. That invitation went out to all the lepers of that day, who He healed many and also to the Roman soldier that crucified the God man Jesus on the cross, who said surely this was the Son of God. Matthew 27:50-54!

I can never overstate, Jesus lives to make intercession for you and me. That’s an ongoing ministry of the Son of God our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who never stops praying for his own. Today, God is encouraging us not to rebel, or be fainthearted. Remember what Jesus said to Peter? Satan desires to sift you as wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith will not fail. Believe it dear ones Jesus is praying for you and me continually. Remember He is the author and finisher of our faith. Paul says pray without ceasing. We are practicing daily what our Lord does continually.

So, let us rest and trust in His close abiding presence whether you’re aware of Him or not. He is with you and He is worthy to be worshipped and adored forever, Amen. Draw near to Him brothers and sisters!

In His grace,

Bob Thurow