Draw Near To God

Read Romans 8:32-39

Since he did not spare even his own Son for us but gave him up for us all, won't he also surely give us everything else?

Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? Will God? No! He is the one who has forgiven us and given us right standing with himself.

Who then will condemn us? Will Christ? No! For he is the one who died for us and came back to life again for us and is sitting at the place of highest honor next to God, pleading for us there in heaven. Romans 8:32-34 (TLB)

Juan Julio Baez, from the Dominican Republic, normally wears cologne, but he has had to stop. His daughter suffers from asthma, and they work in the same office. Her doctor advised her to avoid perfumes and fragrances to minimize her allergies. She and Juan share a close bond, and her natural tendency is to give hugs often. So Juan has stopped using cologne.

Ephesians 5:2 says, "Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." As Juan made a small sacrifice for his daughter, he began to reflect on Christ's sacrifice for us. Christ offered himself up on the cross to restore the lost bond between us and God. He relinquished all his glory and majesty so that we all could draw close to God. In accepting and doing God's will, Christ received God's blessing and recognition. Now he sits at the right hand of God as the connection that allows humankind to draw near to God.

Prayer: Jesus, our Lord and Redeemer, we give you thanks for your sacrifice that made it possible for us to draw near to God. Your presence is the balm that adds fragrance to our lives. We pray in Your Holy name. Amen .