June 6, 2010
Draw Near to God Today
“The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all all who call upon Him in truth.”
Psalm 145:18
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Jesus loves to touch people, especially sick people. In the Gospels, you do not have to read far to see Jesus hearing the plea of a parent (Matthew 9:18-26), a leper (Matthew 8:1-5), or two blind men (Matthew 9:27-29) calling to Him for help. Jesus touched the untouchable, and changed the lives of the poor, blind, lame, leprous, and demon-possessed. Jesus has always drawn near to people who draw near to Him (James 4:8). Most of all, Jesus loves to forgive sinners of their sins when they call upon Him.
Yesterday, I read the story about the two thieves crucified with Jesus (Luke 23:39-43). They perfectly illustrate what it means to call upon Jesus in truth. The first thief looked at Jesus and hurled abuse at Him saying: “Are you the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” The first thief called upon Jesus for help, but he had only sinful desperation and unbelief. The second thief looked at the first thief and told him three things: (1) do you not fear God, because we are under a death sentence? (2) we are suffering justly for our crimes; and (3) Jesus has done nothing wrong, but suffers here beside us. The second thief recognized he was about to meet his Maker, and that he was suffering justly. He also sought help from Jesus by faith. The second thief turned to Jesus and called upon Him: “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” The second thief had just called upon Jesus in truth. Jesus responded and said: “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” Faith changed the thief, and it will change your life too.
If you are suffering from illness, or feel far from God, or need some basic encouragement to keep on living, then now is the time to call upon Jesus. Start by asking for His forgiveness. Believe that Jesus died on that cross for all of your sins. Jesus forgives sins for an eternity. If you believe that Jesus died for you, as He promised, and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved from the penalty of sin (Romans 10:9-10). Jesus removes your sins as far is the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). Jesus loves to save people from their sins, and He came for that purpose (Matthew 1:21). Jesus loves to touch people, just like you.
Application for Today
Today I will call upon Jesus in truth. I will feel His touch, and enjoy His presence in my life. Who will you call upon today?
