Jesus Comes Near

Sometimes I wonder if I am ‘too familiar’ with my Savior. A book that has impacted me regarding the person of Christ is called God Came Near by Max Lucado. I loved it when I read it during college and it was the very first book I ever gave to Todd.

Why? You wonder. It is not a theological exegesis on the Savior of the World- but does exactly what the title suggests. It brings God, in the person of Christ, near to me.

One of my favorite chapters is Twenty-five questions for Mary. I loved reading it then writing my own questions out to the side. Maybe, like Jessica Thompson does regarding her questions for God, I will just ask God to ‘add them to my list’ in my prayer time.

You see Mary was a mother like me. A mother with fears, frustrations, love and joy- just like me. But, unlike me, she was the mother to a perfect God- in the form of a baby that she watched grow. She nurtured him, and took care of him; she watched in the doorway as Jesus worked with Joseph in the carpentry shop, if Jesus was sick, she probably stayed up with Him. And that is another question for Mary- does a perfect God get sick?

Now, I would love to sit at Mary’s feet and learn from her. What would she do with the internet and her son Jesus? Would she run out and protect Him from bullies? Did Jesus clean His room? Help around the house? Have chores? Would she let Him watch PG-13 movies? And would He even want to?

How did she feel to see her son teaching in the temple? Proud? Or sad, knowing that He was really not hers that He belonged to the world and was stepping into His role- as Teacher, Master, Redeemer, and Savior.

All of these thoughts echo in my head as Frontline begins a three-week series on 'Who is Jesus?' (www.frontlinedc.com)

Over the years my understanding of who He is has been shaped by many things- most recently by studying the book of John, verse by verse. At times I felt that Jesus was austere, removed, but at others I sensed his passion in the fervent expressions of the words He spoke. He was a man burdened, a man of sorrows and a man of love. God came near to me again as we studied John 17. In this chapter you hear Jesus’ heart for His disciples, and those coming after.

Who is Jesus to me? At times He is my closest friend, at others He is my teacher and one who convicts me, but at all times HE IS MY SAVIOR.

All the way my Savior leads me, What have I to ask beside? Can I doubt His tender mercy, Who through life has been my Guide? Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort, Here by faith in Him to dwell! For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well; For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me, Cheers each winding path I tread, Gives me grace for every trial, Feeds me with the living Bread. Though my weary steps may falter And my soul athirst may be, Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! A spring of joy I see; Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! A spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me, Oh, the fullness of His love! Perfect rest to me is promised In my Father’s house above. When my spirit, clothed immortal, Wings its flight to realms of day This my song through endless ages: Jesus led me all the way; This my song through endless ages: Jesus led me all the way. (Fanny J. Crosby 1875)