God: Near and Far

God is great. We know this. We say this often in song and in speech. Even if we did not acknowledge it, it would still be true. What is it about Him, other than His omnipotence (all-powerful), omnipresence, knowledge, love, justice, righteousness and holiness, that makes this claim true? I believe there are two key attributes that are often overlooked, yet provide much comfort to me and show His greatness: His transcendence and His immanence (nearness). One of the mysteries of God is His ability to rule Sovereignly and powerfully from afar (transcendence), yet He is simultaneously near by residing in the hearts of His followers. Jeremiah 23:23 says, “‘Am I a God at hand,’ declares the LORD, ‘and not a God far away?’” Stop and think about that for a second…now that you are thoroughly confused, let’s look at it a little closer. God is at hand; he came to dwell among us as Jesus of Nazareth and also sent His Holy Spirit after Christ ascended into heaven. God is not only at hand, but He dwells in the very bodies of His people (1 Cor. 6:19)! The same God who dwells within us is the God Most High. He is “the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:” (Is. 57:15). Wow! God is larger and greater than any adjective we can ascribe to Him. He is far off in the heavens ruling this universe as its Creator, but He is also intimately involved in the tiny details of our lives because He is also near. This is a mystery to our little minds, but it is true. He is powerfully and righteously ruling the universe, while at the same time He actually cares, loves and knows us! God is truly great. He demonstrated it on Calvary, but He also demonstrates it by sustaining the universe from afar, while also dwelling in us. Amen!

Isaiah 57:15:
“For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.’”