Although Jesus ascended into heaven over 2000 years ago, he remains with us. His ascension never created any void or separation from us. Rather, his ascension made him easily accessible to the whole world at the same time. His name in Matthew 1:23 is Emmanuel, which means, “God is with us.” He is ever present with us when we desire him. In Christ Jesus, we see and relate with God.
When we feel Jesus is distant from us, it is time to honestly examine our relationship with him. A daily walk intended to enrich our relationship with Jesus will reveal that after all, he is nearer than we think. Proverbs 1: 28-31 say then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but will not find me. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, would have none of my counsel, and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way and be sated with their own devices. Jesus does not separate from us, we separate from him through sin.
Did Jesus give us any assurance?
Yes, he said in Matthew 28: 20, I am with you always, to the end of the age. This assurance is open to everyone who believes and lives rightly before him. He is always present by his Holy Spirit. He said in John 14: 26-27, but the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Jesus never said his Holy Spirit is temporary.
Worldly peace is temporary. It is subject to external and internal factors which include socio-cultural, economic, political, psychological, geographical or regional dynamics. Jesus’ Holy Spirit is above worldly influence. Accordingly, his assurances are permanent and eternal. Jesus said in John 15: 26 the Advocate will testify on his behalf. So, Jesus will continue to be with us through the Holy Spirit well beyond our lifetime to the end of the world. Jesus is near today as he was in his days physically on earth.
How truthful are Jesus’ words?
Jesus does not tell lies but the truth. John 1: 14 says the word is full of grace and truth. (paraphrased) John 17: 17 says sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. Paul described the word in Ephesians 1: 13; Colossians 1: 5 as the word of truth. James 1: 18 says the word of truth. All promises of Jesus were fulfilled and we now await his second coming.
Truly, in Romans 10: 9 all who believed in his name were saved. Jesus is near because he is the good shepherd who will not abandon his sheep to face danger. He said in John 10: 11-14 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand… sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away — and the wolf snatches them and scatters them… because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own knows me. Jesus knows our needs and will not leave us. He is not a hired hand but the committed owner of the sheep.
Jesus posed a question in Matthew 18: 12; Luke 15: 4, what do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does not leave the ninety-nine on the mountain and go in search of the one that went astray? In the story of the prodigal son, Jesus said in Luke 15: 20, but while he (prodigal son) was still far off, his father saw him and filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Even in our wasted lives, Jesus beckons us back for his love and care.
How will Jesus be near us?
Jesus wants an everlasting relationship with God. God said in Amos 5: 4,6 Seek me and live. God cherishes personal relationships and is nearer in a personal relationship than in a religious association. Zephaniah 2: 3 says seek the LORD, all you humble of the land. In humility, we will find Jesus close to us. Isaiah 55: 6 says seek the LORD while he may be found, call upon him while he is near. If we do not in righteousness seek him or call upon him, we cannot know that he is near.
Jesus said in Matthew 11: 28 come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. The psalmist said in Psalms 55: 22 cast your burdens on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. God said in Jeremiah 29: 11-12, I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope…call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. Jesus is ever near if we devote ourselves to purity and truth.
How to know Jesus is near us
Jesus said in John 16: 24 ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete. He said in John 14: 13-14 I will do whatever you ask for in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it. We will know by our relationship with him, his responses to our prayer requests and the peace in our hearts.
He said in John 15: 16 you did not choose me but I chose you. If we believe in Jesus or faith will confirm his presence with us. Jesus is near the doors to our hearts waiting. He said in Revelation 3: 20, Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you and you with me. We will know if we know his voice. Do we feel Jesus is near us?
Moses told Aaron to say to the congregation in Exodus 16: 9, draw near to the LORD, for he has heard your complaining. Moses had begun to walk closer with God. We will know if we begin to walk closer with God. If we do not change from our old ways and turn to God through Christ Jesus, we will not feel his presence. Let us be nearer to Jesus in our hearts.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, we feel separated from you because of the sins in our hearts. We thank you that you will never separate from us. We desire to be in your presence always. Let us feel your warm and peaceful presence in our hearts. Refresh us with a new spirit that is ready to walk with you. Let your presence overshadow us in your service in your holy name, Amen!!
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