God’s Identity (pt. II): God With Us

Yesterday we reflected on God's mighty power. While He is mighty and powerful, He is also personal and desires nearness to His people. After rescuing the Israelites, He didn't then step back from them for the remainder of their freedom journey. Instead, He remained near. He led them in a pillar of cloud by day and in a pillar of fire by night. As we continue to journey alongside the Israelites, we read God's instructions for them to build the Tabernacle - the place where He will dwell. Do you see His heart? His heart to be near, to live among His people, to be their God. This is heart for you, too.

The act of Jesus descending from his heavenly throne to a humble manger is one of the most astonishing displays of God's heart to be near to His people. Jesus truly is God with us - as his name, Emmanuel, suggests (Matthew 1:23). Once Jesus' ministry on earth was complete, God still had a plan for His nearness to be evident among us. Just like God didn't abandon the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt, He didn't abandon us after Jesus ascended back to his proper throne. He gave us the Holy Spirit living in us (John 14:17).

Let's remember the words of Jesus, "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever." (John 14:16). He won’t abandon us, but he’ll come to us (John 14:18). When does God tend to feel the furthest from you? The nearest? In what ways do you need the presence of the Holy Spirit to be at work in your life? Remember that our God is powerful enough to deliver, and personal enough to remain within reach.

Pray: Thank God for His desire to be close to you because of His great love and interest in you. Give thanks that His nearness is your good (Psalm 73:28). Ask God to help you grow in your awareness of His proximity to you. Ask that the Holy Spirit fill your life with His presence.