Draw Near.

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. – Hebrews 7:25

Draw near.

Come close.

Move toward.

Apart from Jesus, we’re unable to draw near to God. It’s impossible. He is too holy, and we are too human. But Jesus, both holy and human, who sacrificed His own body on our behalf, as our High Priest, continuously prays on our behalf even as you read these words. He is able to save to the uttermost. Wholly. Fully. Completely.

The invitation embedded in this salvation is simple and clear. Draw near. God desires our communion with Him. He desires our attention and our presence. He knows that we flounder when we move away from Him. We were hardwired at creation to need Him, and when we run away from Him, it’s impossible to fill that need with anything or anyone else. I know. I’ve tried!

In Genesis, shortly after Adam and Eve disobey, God asks them a question: “Where are you?”

Even as believers, when we sin, our temptation might be to move away from Him, rather than drawing near. In response, God asks us, “Where are you?”

In James 4:8, we read, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek me and you will find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

Draw near. No matter where you are, let your response to the question, “Where are you?” be one of drawing near and seeking Him. No sin is too great; no shame too burdensome. Because of Jesus, our High Priest, you will find Him and He will draw near. 

I’ll leave you with one of my favorite poems from Jill Briscoe. See you this Sunday, when we’ll all draw near together!

Joyfully,
Erika

I ran to the deep place where nobody goes and found Him waiting there.

“Where have you been?” He asked me.

“I’ve been in the shallow places where everyone lives,” I replied. I knew He knew. He just wanted me to admit I’d been too busy being busy.

“I’m running out…” I began.

“Of course,” He said. “I haven’t seen you in a while.”

He sat down on the steps of my soul in the Deep Place where nobody goes and smiled at me. Angels sang; a shaft of light chased away the shadows and brightened my daily day. I smiled back.         

   “I’m such a fool…”

“Shhh,” He said, putting His finger on my lips. He touched my hurried heart. Startled, it took a deep breath and skidded to a near stop. My spirit nestled in to nearness in the Deep Place where nobody goes. 

My soul spoke, then: He answered with words beyond music. Where on earth had I been while heaven waited? Such grace!