The LORD is near, Read Psalm 75:1; Heb. 2:8-17

If you were asked to complete the sentence, “The name of the LORD is …” it is not likely many would have said “near”.  But what an encouraging thought.  Especially if we take some time dig into the meaning.  Gesenius, the Hebrew scholar, noted that this term was used in several contexts, each of which gives deep insight into the thought that the name of the LORD is near.

·        It is used of space.  God is near to us in the sense of never being far away from our challenging situations.  We remember that one of the most powerful statements that encouraged God’s people was I will be with you.  Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would indwell the believer; that is true nearness.

·        It is used of time.  God would not be too late nor too early in His help.  Often we are reminded, I am with you always.  Jesus caused concern for His disciples when He waited two days before deciding to go to Bethany at the time of Lazarus’ death.  Everyone was saying that if He had only been there sooner He could have saved the life of His friend.  But Jesus, of course, was right one time.  The story was not about healing but resurrection!

·        It is used of relationship.  It is interesting that even in the OT times, when the veil separated men from God, that God was still near in terms of relationship.  He was Abraham’s Friend, Joshua’s Captain and David’s Shepherd.  How much more, on this side of the cross, and with the veil torn in two, do we understanding the power of a relationship with God.  We are called again and again to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ.  As with Paul we say, I want to know Him.  By His nearness God is very knowable.

·        Related to relationship, this term is used of kinship.  This fits perfectly with God and His relationship with man.  Clearly, in the story of Ruth, we see that the Redeemer must be near of kin.  And this is the significance of Hebrews 2.  Jesus did not become an angel nor was He ever an angel.  He is brother with mankind, humans.  He became one of us so that He might die for us, and so that He might be our High Priest, sharing not only our life but our death.  

Truly the name of the LORD is near.  We plead: be no more at enmity with God.  Let us draw near to Him that we might know His nearness in all its glory.