The Lord . . . near.

ὁ κύριος ἐγγύς.   Philippians 4:5b

 There is no verb. “The Lord [blank] near.” When?

       He came near. The proximity of our Lord was seen at Bethlehem. He was named, “Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us [Matthews 1:18-23].” He became flesh and dwelled among us. Immanuel can empathize with me because He came near. He knows. He has been here [Hebrews 4:14-16]. But this was yesterday.

          He will come near. The nearness of our Lord will be experienced at the rapture [1 Thessalonians 4:13-18]. This is when Jesus will receive us to Himself. These momentary afflictions will suddenly be no more [2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Colossians 3:8-17]. Everything will change for the Believer. We will all be changed. At that moment the struggle is ended, the pain is gone. But, for now, I endure, persevere, and wait. But this is tomorrow.

He is near. The proximity of our Lord was evident in the manger and will be as we are caught away for the meeting in the clouds. Yet, this differs from His presence here and now. “I am with you always, even to the end of the age [Matthews 28:20b]. Scripture affirms that He is with me now. The biblical prepositions include “with” and “within.” Our Helper is nigh. He is proximate in space. It is He Who holds my hand [Psalms 37:23-24]. He is proximate in time [Romans 13:12; James 5:8]. And this is now. 

          Jesus came near. Bethlehem. I rejoice.

          Jesus will come near, again. Rapture. I rejoice the more.           

          Jesus is near. Now. I rejoice the most.          

-Mike Sanders is a member of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY, and he teaches a men’s class there.  He is a former Church of Christ minister and retired UPS pilot.