Heavenly Intimacy
by John Michalak
Isaiah 43:1-2
But now the LORD who created you, Jacob, and he who formed you, Israel, says: “Don’t be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name. You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and flame will not scorch you.”
Two important traits should draw us to God: His transcendence and His closeness.
First, God is transcendent.
He is above all things. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so are His ways higher than our ways.
But He is also close.
Despite His transcendence, God seeks a personal, intimate relationship with each one of His children. He walks in loving covenant with His people. His Son, Jesus, became human, embracing our frailty to connect with us on as personal a level as you can get.
If God is either one of these, but not both, then He can’t truly supply our needs.
If He’s above all things, but not close, then we can’t relate to Him or really love Him. Conversely, if He’s close to us, but not all-powerful, then He might mean well, but He can’t really help us.
In God, you find a heavenly intimacy. The same God who controls the whole universe has made you His. When He says there is no reason to be afraid, He means it. He has called you by your name. Thanks to Him, we are redeemed!
Reflection
Do I tend to think most often of God being close to me or being above me? How can I better balance the two truths?
Prayer
Dear Lord, Please help me honor Your eternal transcendence while embracing Your personal intimate love. Thank You for knowing my name. Thank You for knowing me. I know that no matter what I go through, You walk beside me, guiding and protecting me forever. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
