Let’s draw near to God

‘Let us’ is used fifteen times in the book of Hebrews. It’s not an invitation. It’s a command. It’s the way to live a victorious life in a troubled world.

The letter was written to Jewish converts who were being tempted to revert to Judaism or make the Gospel of grace fit into the Law. The writer was concerned that these second - generation Christians were about to abandon their faith in Jesus, the Messiah. This was chiefly because of persecution, but also because they didn’t clearly see the uniqueness of Jesus. It’s through Jesus alone that we can draw near to God and through Jesus alone that we will be kept near to God.

Firstly we must draw near to God with a sincere heart. This means an undivided heart, an honest and true heart, where there are no hidden motives. It’s a heart that draws near to God in living relationship. It’s a heart filled with a longing to be closer, and a heart where Jesus is Lord.

Secondly, we must draw near to God in faith. This is faith where we don’t hesitate to follow Jesus and trust Him alone. It’s unwavering faith. We trust in His wisdom, power and goodness. It’s a living faith. We believe that He’s the Faithful One and He keeps His promises. Faith doesn’t grow stronger by trying to muster it up. It grows stronger by feeding daily on the living Word of God and by taking small steps of obedience, leaving the consequences to Him.

Thirdly we are to draw near to God with a cleansed conscience. This is true freedom from a sense of guilt. It’s lasting freedom because it’s based on the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ upon the cross. The blood of Jesus that cleanses us from all sin also cleanses us from the guilt of sin. It’s the freedom of forgiveness.

God may not always seem close to us, but He’s promised never to leave us. We draw near to God by depending on His unchanging character, His unfailing love and His faithfulness to His promises. ‘If God seems far away, guess who moved?’ said C.T.Studd.

Desiring, wishing and longing for God’s presence is good. However we must follow it up by heart obedience. He rewards this in His children.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you for putting the desire in my heart to be close to You. Thank You that because of what Jesus has done, this can be a daily reality. Please show me if there are any areas of disobedience in my life which stand between me and the closeness of Your presence. I choose today to make Jesus Christ Lord of my life and to live in obedience to Him. Amen.