It occurs to me often that I’m not as intimate with God as I could be, and it’s a daily driving factor for me to pursue Him more. I read about these great men in the Bible that walked closely with God, and I long to have that kind of relationship with Him. Closeness with the Lord far surpasses anything this world has, because we were created for relationship with Him. It was the purpose from the beginning, to walk in close intimacy with God, and to serve Him, glorify Him, and imitate Him in all that we say and do.
Why is it then, that we no longer desire that as we should? We read about Moses, whom God spoke to “face to face, as a man speaks to his friend” (Exo. 33:11), yet it doesn’t occur to us that WE can have that relationship. I’m not talking about the work we do for the Lord, but the intimacy we have with Him. You can be close with God and never work a miracle or wonder, or you can be far from God and work many miracles and wonders. Many will do great works but hear Him say, “I never knew you”.
This life isn’t about the work He does through us, but the work He does in us. He is interested in your character more than your performance, your heart more than your actions. God shows no favoritism to some more than others, “For there is no partiality with God” (Rom. 2:11), but He does show favor to some more than others. I love all my children, I have no greater love for one more than another, but I reward some more than others based upon their obedience.
When Christ died on the cross, the veil was torn and the way to intimate relationship with God was opened once again! What’s holding you back from pursing ALL of Him? He is calling you into a deeper relationship with Him, will you stay on the shore and watch from afar? Or will you get into the boat with Him, through the choppy waves and calm seas alike? Apart from Him, this life holds no meaning.
But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
John 6:68
