The God Who Bids Us Come

God comes near sometimes to see if we reciprocate His desire for us. He shows Himself enough for us to know He is with us in the hope that we will engage with Him even more. He makes as though to move on and longs for us to insist He stay. On the road to Emmaus Jesus made as if to go further, a remarkable ruse from the God who loves so passionately.

Luke 24:28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.

Similarly in the account of Mark Jesus was walking on the water and about to pass the boat by when He was spotted by someone on the boat.

Mark 6:48 He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, 50 because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 51 Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down.

Who is this lover who feigns passing us by to test our longing for Him? He is the God whose passion longs for reciprocation, whose great love seeks affirmation and fruit from the hearts of those who have benefitted from His love.

So that we may participate in this divine love story, we get to vocalize our thanks, our desire to be with Him and our passion to be His. He draws near to test our longing. Faith and love have distinct reactions. They both clamor for His attention and call for Him to stay.

Does He feel far away or like He is passing you by. Cry out to Him, a cry of longing and passion and see if He doesn't quickly climb into your boat and re-arrange your circumstances.