I have a friend who has been mightily used by God. His name is known in many circles. He has a profound reputation, and his life has yielded significant, enduring fruit. If I mentioned his name, you might easily recognize it.
By the grace of God, our lives intersected years ago. I was humbled just to meet him. But as I came to know him, I was astounded to realize one day that he genuinely wanted to be with me. Before long, we were sharing beyond an “acquaintance” level. We enjoyed each other’s company.
We shared common interests and passions. We laughed easily together, and we prayed fervently together. Like Jonathan and David, our hearts were “knit together in love.” Soon, we were friends. I was humbled (and eternally blessed) to realize that, although separated by miles, the rest of our lives would be blessed by this friendship. He reminds me often that history is moved among friends and I believe him.
As astounding as that incredible realization was, there is another that is beyond comprehension.
Christ wants to be with me!
Everything from the dawn of history until the end of this age and beyond illustrates this fact. We don’t believe it (nor even recognize its incalculable value), which is why we don’t seek the Lord with all our hearts. But it is true.
IN THE BEGINNING
God created us for this purpose. He made us in His image so we could enjoy Him on a level higher than the animals. A dog is a wonderful companion, given by God for our enjoyment. But our relationship with a canine has its limits. Not so with the Father. We were designed to share unending, expanding thoughts with God Himself. Our emotional DNA includes the capacity to love and be loved. We were made for intimacy with God.
Adam and Eve enjoyed walking with God Himself in the cool of the day until sin interrupted this unblemished fellowship. When our rebellion caused us to wander from Him, God came seeking. He sent His Son to restore us to Himself.
Christ came as Immanuel—God with us. As He began His earthly ministry, the great agenda was to “seek and save that which was lost.” To bring people back to Himself and the Father. He and the Father had enjoyed an unending relationship. And now, He was inviting us into that circle.
When He began to disciple others, He chose twelve for one purpose:
And He appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him. (Mark 3:14, emphasis mine)
His disciples were fearful as He came to the end of His brief, earthly life. They worried that they would lose Him and all that meant. Listen to the assurance He gave them, which gives us insight into His whole agenda.
“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:2-3)
“Don’t worry,” He said. “The whole reason I’m leaving is to get a place ready for you and me so we could be together in an unhindered life. I will restore Eden, and we can enjoy each other forever.”
He went further in this last conversation with them, promising an interim means of continued intimacy with Him, even after He left the earth.
“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever, that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:16-18)
There would not be a moment of interruption in their relationship. He would come, in Spirit form, to indwell them so they could be together. He wanted to be with them even more than they could ever understand or would ever appreciate.
AND YOU
Think of this deeply. Let it sink into your soul. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End, the Creator of all, wants to be with you! He has provided everything necessary for this to occur. He has initiated this relationship and it is not to be a momentary acquaintance but an eternal, increasing friendship. What a humbling thought and matchless privilege. And what a tragedy if we ignore His invitation and live without His presence. It was never meant to be so.
