GETTING CLOSER TO JESUS
Jesus Christ’s dying and shedding his blood on the cross made it possible for us to have a loving relationship with him (John 3:16). We can get even closer to our Lord. The Word of God and the Holy Spirit can help us to get closer to Jesus.
BELIEVE IN JESUS—Believing in Jesus as our Lord and Savior begins our relationship with him (John 3:16). The disciples believed in Jesus and closely followed him. Even a criminal who was being executed beside Jesus on a cross got as close as he could by believing in Jesus as the Son of God. The Lord told him, ”today you will be with in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Believers who are yet living have opportunity to get closer to Jesus, and be eternally rewarded.
DESIRE CLOSENESS—As believers we should desire to get closer to the Lord. The disciples desired to be close to the Lord. However, his disciple John had a particular strong desire to be closer to Jesus. At the last Passover supper with Jesus John laid his head on Jesus’ breast. Although Jesus loved all of his disciples, John was recognized by the other disciples as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (Luke 22:15; John 13:23). We should try to get as close as we can to Jesus. He desires us to be close to him.
When Jesus visited the home of his friends Mary and Martha, Mary chose to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to him. Martha got busy as a hostess, doing for him. Jesus loved both of them. But Jesus told Martha, “Mary has chosen what is better.” (Luke 10:38-42).Being close and listening to the Lord is better than doing what you want to do for him.
PRAY TO GOD—Praying will get us closer to the Lord. Jesus demonstrated our need to pray to be close to God when he was on earth (Matthew 4:2; Mark 1:35; Luke 22:40-42). He taught his disciples to pray (Luke 11:1—4). The Bible says: Pray without ceasing; give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18).
STUDY GOD’S WORD—Studying and meditating on the Word of God is important for getting closer. Jesus said if you love me, obey my Word (John 14:23).The inspired Word of God tells us to study the Word for right understanding of and instructions from the Lord (2 Timothy 2:15; 2Tim 3:16-17). The psalmist said: I will meditate on your precepts and consider your ways…I will not neglect your word (Ps 119:15).
FELLOWSHIP WITH BELIEVERS. God’s Word tells us to fellowship with other believers. Jesus said, where two or three are gathered my name, there I am with them (Matthews 18:20). The Word of God advises believers not to forsake assembling together with our brothers and sisters (Hebrews 10:25)–Let the words of Christ dwelling you richly…admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with gratitude in your heart to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16)–Encourage and build one another up in our Lord Jesus Christ(1 Thessalonians 5:9-11).
FOLLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT–Following the guidance and availing the power of the Holy Spirit get us closer to the Lord, though we may suffer at times (1 Peter 4:12-13).The Holy Spirit uses the Word and power of God to help us grow into the likeness of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ (John 16:13; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:29).
