Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:22) (NIV)
I was awakened in Vajta, Hungary by a midnight storm. Thunder rumbled over the far off sunflower fields to bring a message from God in chest shaking baritone.
“I am out here, with my power and authority to shatter the earth.”
If each bolt of lightning is mighty at one billion volts, then God, who created the phenomenon, is exponentially more powerful. As he spoke across the hills, I went limp before his majesty.
Then the walls blinked with a pair of white flashes, and before my heart could jump, thunder exploded into every crevice of the room. This time, God’s message ripped through my cells.
“Now, I’m right outside your window in all my glory and wonder.”
He is the God of far away, and also the God of frighteningly near.
I often think of God as big and distant. Yet, he went to great lengths at the cross to remove the space between us. He wants to be big and near. But in a love affair of free wills, both partners must consent, and I often don't. It must drive him nuts to have paid so much for intimacy, only to have me push away.
If my frail heart would fully trust in Christ’s sacrifice, I would stand next to God. He wants to permeate my flesh, mind, and spirit. He already suffuses every realm, and so it is I, not him, who must move closer. I’m the standoffish partner, the cold lover.
I’m afraid of the pure burning electricity of God, so I concoct a version of him that is aloof and safe. Yes, God does pulse with white-hot hatred of sin, but I’m insulated from electrocution because Jesus is wrapped about me.
I have no excuses. Nothing prevents me from moving closer to megawatt Almighty. It’s time to take a deep breath, trust the protection of Jesus, and step near. When I do, I’ll find he was already occupying the space, waiting for me with eager joy.
Prayer: Mighty One, strengthen me to move nearer into you.