Jesus is always near, but ancient pagan gods were considered far away. The Bible tells us that Jesus is near us. John 1:14So the Word (Jesus) became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. [1] Jesus made His home with us in the flesh when He came to the earth.
Our God is not far away, and after the Spirit came on Pentecost, the Holy Spirit dwells in every believer. Also, God is everywhere. In our story of the crucifixion, where was Jesus in relationship to the criminals crucified with Him?
Luke 23:32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.[2]
Even if You Can’t See Him, Jesus is Near
Why is this such an essential fact about the crucifixion that Jesus was near to the crucified criminals? The criminals were far from God in a spiritual sense. Matthew 27:44In the same way, the robbers who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him. [3] But they were very close to Jesus in a physical sense.
Even when we don’t know God, He is always near, as Scripture tells us. Psalm 139: 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. [4] Knowing that God is there with us wherever we go is comforting. Perhaps you feel this way now and wonder where the Lord is. We may feel so alone and even depressed, but God is always there, and we can speak to Him in prayer any time.
God’s Presence Gives Insight into His Character
The Bible tells us God is near, showing that He cares and watches over us, like a light that always lights our path. It also tells us that He knows what is happening in our lives and struggles and conveys that God is always at work to comfort people and lead them to faith if they don’t know Him. The Bible expresses to us that God never gives up and communicates that you are important to God, and He longs for a relationship with you.
God is with us, giving us hope, guiding, loving, and providing for us and all with His unlimited resources. He gives light in the darkness. What do you need? Do you need hope, strength, peace, love, joy, or hope? He has it all. He is longing to pour out His favor and blessing upon us. We need, by faith, to receive what He has for us. We must realize that He loves us and has a good purpose and plan for our lives.
Jesus is always near, to hear more:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/light-in-the-last-hour
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Jn 1:14). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Lk 23:32–33). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
[3-4] The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1984). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.