God loves and desires closeness and nearness from all, but all do not come near nor live near. A few walked near to God in the Old Testament: Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, etc. In the New Testament: Peter, James and John were close to Him. John was even closer. We were made to be like Christ. We were made to be near Him. The true nearness our soul craves is halted by sin, other loves, and a divided heart. Draw nearer and nearer!
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.” James 4:8-10 (NASB)
From “In The Steps of The Shepherd”, by H. Lamar Smith
