Heavenly Intimacy

by John Michalak

But now thus says the LORD who created you, Jacob, and he who formed you, Israel: “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.“

Isaiah 43:1-2

There are two important traits that should draw you 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 second, He is close. Despite His transcendence, God joins us in personal, intimate relationship. He walks in loving covenant with His people. His Son, Jesus, came as close to our frail humanity 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 just above all things, but not close, then we can’t relate to Him or really love Him. But, if He’s close to us, but not all-powerful, then He might mean well, but can’t really help us.

In God, you find a heavenly intimacy. The same God who controls the whole universe has made you His. And He can control the floods and fires that surround you.

Prayer: Lord, help me honor your heavenliness and embrace your closeness.