Drawing Near

For the past few weeks in the men’s group at my local church, we’ve been talking about knowing God intimately. As I was thinking about knowing God closely, I thought about the result of drawing near someone. When you draw near, things start to heat up. We were talking about that in reference to the planets. Mercury is a blazing ball of fire. Pluto is a tiny ball of ice. The difference is that one draws near the sun. When you draw near God, being in His presence causes a reaction. Some things melt away. You may sweat, wrestle, and struggle. You will certainly be uncomfortable at times. Drawing near to God sometimes can be refreshing. It can also be testing.

I also thought about how time seems to be heating up. Things are happening at a rapid pace. I personally believe we are living in the last days and expect the imminent return of Christ.

This morning I’d like to take a moment to look at that.

Hebrews 10:19-23 ESV

19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

I see three areas of drawing near in those few verses with profound meaning

Draw Near to God 

• Jesus shed blood gives us boldness to draw near to God.
• Jesus made a way (is the way) for us to draw near to God.
• Jesus makes us pure and clean in heart, mind, and body.

Draw Near to Each Other

• Because we draw near to God, we should draw near to each other
• We should be thinking about stirring each other up (in a good way)
• Drawing near looks like love and good works.
• Drawing near looks like fellowship.
• Drawing near looks like encouragement.

Jesus is Drawing Near

• The signs of the times should prompt us to draw MORE close to God.
• MORE close to each other

Questions to Ask Yourself

How are you getting closer to God?

Would you say that you are excited and on fire?

Is God dealing with your junk or are you comfortable?

What can you do to show more care to those around you?

Who are you stirring up to love and good works?

How can you be an encouragement to someone around you?