He Came to Be Near You

Over one hundred years ago, a shipwrecked crew washed up on Rodrigues Island, a tiny speck of land in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and Australia. They developed an illness called Java River fever. However, one of the officers determined that it was instead Yellow Fever, which was terribly feared in the southern seas. Upon being found, a French doctor, whose job it was to inspect all infested vessels, was sent to examine them. He entered a small boat, stayed offshore at a distance, and examined the patients through binoculars. He did not want to get too close. In terror of the possible disease, he prescribed for them from his boat, not taking that chance that coming into contact with them would cause him to be infected. (New York Times July 10, 1897)

How different that is from the way that God dealt with us.

Galatians 4:4-5 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (ESV)

In spite of our complete corruption and infestation with sin, He didn’t remain distant. He came near. He got close. He came to live among us as one of us. He did not stay away, but came and got messy. He came here in order to meet all the requirements of the law in your place and shed His blood as the sacrifice for your sin. In this way, He earned forgiveness for you and for all people. He saved you from eternal death. All you have to do to claim that forgiveness is believe that He is your Savior.

What a wonderful example He gives us. While we cannot achieve the salvation of others like He did, we can offer ourselves in service to our neighbors. We can go to them in spite of whatever “messy” situation they may be experiencing and share our care and love and concern. We do all this knowing what Jesus was willing to do, and in fact did for us. We are called to be His hands and feet and voice to our fellow man. In so doing, we will also hold out for them the Good News of our Savior.

As you celebrate His birth again this year, may you rejoice in the knowledge that He did not stay far removed. He was willing to give up the glory of heaven, laying aside His power and authority, so that He could go to the manger and to the cross. He came to get close, to be near you.

The third stanza of “Away in a Manger” summarizes what should be the desire of our hearts:

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay

Close by me forever and love me I pray.

Bless all the dear children in your tender care,

And take us to heaven to live with you there.