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How to Be Close to Christ



All the paintings of Christ our Lord fail. They fail to convey how close Jesus really is to us. Most art pieces portray the Prince of Peace in a solemn, regal, and majestic light. Christ seems in theses caricatures to only tolerate a slight touch of his fingers on the “unholy ones,” and His expression and countenance comes across as disappointed, aloof, and indifferent. How opposite of how Jesus really is!, “"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God's messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn't let me.” (Luke 13:34). This statement by the Savior does not proclaim distance in affection but a desire to be close to His people as a hen is to her chicks. Then elsewhere Emmanuel says His desire is to be one with His disciples, and not just the apostles but “all who believe because of their message,”: ““I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who [a]will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.” (John 17:20-23). 

If these verses aren’t.enough then let me prove this is accomplished, that Christ Jesus lives inside us, “or God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory,” (Colossians 1:27), “All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God,” (1 John 4:15), “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God,” (Ephesians 3:17-19), and “'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me,” (Revelation 3:20). Our Lord lives in us, so why do we entertain these terrible portraits and even films that depict Christ in a distant light? The very fact Jesus, the God of the Universe, The Son of God, who is One with the Father God and Holy Spirit God came in a body should prove God wants to be close to us! He took on our matter (flesh and bone) so as to touch us, know us, die for our sins and give us eternal life and resurrection life. Jesus died, rose from the dead, ascended and dwells in our being and is coming back to be with us! (Revelation 21:1-53). Why then do we let so called artists mutilate and steal our loving Savior and God Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:1-5)’s identity?! Why do we put up with misinformation on fresco, tempera, canvas, and beyond? 

The simple answer is that people put up with these cold and distant Christ portraits because they don’t want to be close to Christ nor feel His loving embrace in the spirit. They are like the Israelites in the wilderness when God wanted to come down and be close to them they said “no, speak to Moses!”. (Exodus 20, Exodus 24). In the same way many Christians in churches say “No! Speak to my pastor.” 

Do not be like these distant disciples but instead seek to be close to God, “Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.” (James 4:8), “And without faith it is impossible to please God (Holy Trinity, Father and Jesus and Holy Spirit), for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him,” (Hebrews 11:6). Believe in Jesus Christ as Lord God and Son of God and you will immediately be close to God for He will live in you! (1 John 4:15, Colossians 1:27). But if you desire greater felt closeness (presence) with the Lord, then draw near to The Lord Jesus in prayer, worship (hymns, songs of praise, new songs, poetry), repentance (Revelation 3:19), and drawing away from this world and its desires (Romans 12:2). 


Christ wants to be close to you, if you will just let Him. Ask Him and pray not only your wants or wishes, but listen to Christ the Word of God (John 1:1-17) and He will speak to you.  Amen. 

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