Bulletin Articles
Nearer, Still Nearer (#325)
After sin entered the world, it would have been unfathomable for a Jew living under the Old Law to expect to be able to physically draw near to God (Exodus 19:20-24; Exodus 24:1,2). However, God’s intent and desire was always for people to draw near to Him even if not physically (Zephaniah 3:2; Psalm 145:18).
To make this point abundantly clear, He came to earth in the form of Jesus to draw all men to Himself. God came in the flesh and dwelt among sinful man! As the Hebrew writer is trying to convince readers that because of Jesus we are under a better covenant, he says in Hebrews 10:19-22: “…since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”
The fact that we can draw near to have a relationship with the omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient God that is perfectly pure and holy and created everything and rules over everything is a truly stunning idea. Why would He want us near Him? How in the world could He really care about us to the point that He knows every hair on our heads? Yet, being near us remains His intense desire.
There’s no safer refuge. No more secure and peaceful place. No where else we should ever want to be compared to near Him. Let us remove every encumbrance, sin, and distraction that would keep us from drawing nearer, still nearer!
Nearer, still nearer, close to Thy heart, draw me, my Savior- so precious Thou art!
Fold me, O fold me close to Thy breast. Shelter me safe in that haven of rest.
Nearer, still nearer, nothing I bring, naught as an off’ring to Jesus, my King-
Only my sinful, now contrite heart. Grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart.
Nearer, still nearer, Lord, to be Thine! Sin, with its follies, I gladly resign,
All of its pleasures, pomp and its pride. Give me but Jesus, my Lord, crucified.
Nearer, still nearer, while life shall last, till safe in glory my anchor is cast,
Through endless ages ever to be nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee.
