"JUST TO BE NEAR YOU"
In the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27)
When I picture Jesus during his earthly ministry, I often imagine him in a swarm of people, all hungering for something. At other times I picture a more serene setting. The day is drawing to a close. Jesus and the disciples are in a boat, people crowding together on the shore, their many needs heavy on his heart.
What it must have meant to Jesus, such a sensitive soul, to realize that some in the crowd were there just to be near him. Not to be cured or healed. Not to be fed or forgiven. Sometimes, not even yearning to be taught. How comforting for Jesus to make eye contact with a man who simply smiled or a woman who nodded faintly and touched her hand to her heart.
For a while now, I’ve begun some of my quiet times with words such as these. Jesus, you’ve done so much for me and I know I can always turn to you, but I’m here now not because I need anything, not even to be taught. I simply want to be near you. No prayer list. No devotional. Not even my Bible. Just silence and a grateful heart.
I like to think that these silent times, in some mysterious way, comfort the Great Eternal Heart. How? you ask. Because our desire to be loved and appreciated just for ourselves (not for what we do or contribute or provide) might well be something we “inherited” from our Creator. We were, after all, created in His image.
Beautiful~
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Thank you, Mary Ellen. I was aware when writing this Crosswinds that it was different from what I usually write, more speculative about what Jesus might have been like and how he might have reacted to situations. But I felt strongly that I was to put those thoughts in writing and share them. Thank you for letting me know that the words spoke to you.
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I am always looking for a way to be closer to the Lord and renew my strength for what evercomes my way. How great it is to be quiet and feel Him near, no words said, no sound heard and peace. Thank you.
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You're welcome, Loretta. The silence is restorative, isn't it... Linda
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