So Close, And Yet So Far!

You have probably heard expressions such as: "Close only counts in horseshoes ... and hand-grenades ... etc." This is because there are other areas of life where close just isn't good enough. In fact it is possible to be close and yet in another sense be so very far away!

Remember the account of the nation of Israel being led by Moses toward the promised land. They were so close (physically speaking) to entering in, but were so far (spiritually speaking) from a proper faith in God to bring about His promise! The Hebrew writer reminds us of this history in the following words.

We read . . .
"(3:16) For who were those who heard and yet rebelled? Was it not all those who left Egypt led by Moses? (17) And with whom was he provoked for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? (18) And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient? (19) So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief. (4:1) Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, LET US FEAR LEST ANY OF YOU SHOULD SEEM TO HAVE FAILED TO REACH IT." ( Hebrews 3:16-19; 4:1 ESV)

The New King James Version reads. . .
"Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear LEST ANY OF YOU SEEM TO HAVE COME SHORT OF IT." ( Hebrews 4:1 NKJV)

They were physically close and yet spiritually so far away. They were close enough to see the land (and Moses also did from a mountain), but too far away in their relationship with God to be allowed to enter. The Hebrew writer pointed to this history as a warning against any possessing the same spirit of unbelief.

Outwardly we may appear right and yet the heart could still be far away from a proper relationship with God. We could be faithful in church attendance -- even active in service in the Name of Jesus (note Matthew 7:21-23) -- and yet be far from the acceptance of God. We might have His promises in full view, yet be so far from receiving them because we have not trusted enough to enter a covenant relationship with Him through Christ in accordance with His will.

Let us be careful lest we also FALL SHORT through decisions or perspectives based on our will rather than God's. May we never allow anything to separate or distance us from God. He has provided the promises. He has provided the means by which we may receive them. As we walk with God in faith, Jesus' work continues to close the gap, allowing us to enter in as recipients of all His blessed promises. Continue to trust in God's Way in order to enter into the Rest that remains.

Have a great day GOING THE DISTANCE WITH CHRIST!
Carl
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[This focus was originally sent 02/08/1999 (edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

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