“Come close to God And He will come close to you…”
James 4:8
“Come” . . . Such a simple word. “Bo” in Hebrew. Jesus used that word many times, in many different situations with the people in his earthly life. Two little letters, but its meaning and purpose in language is to activate a listener to move. Move near to the one speaking the word. It is an action that intentionally draws two individuals closer to one another. A choice is involved. An intentional action is set in motion. Distance of separation lessens.
Think of how that little word is used in our daily lives. In training a pet dog, it is likely the most frequently used word by its human companion. The “come” and the response to the “come” says a great deal about the relationship and attitudes of both parties. If there is no movement towards the one saying, “come”, there is no impact on the situation. Nothing changes . . . except emotions and thoughts of those involved.
Jesus used that simple word repeatedly during His time on earth. “Come…follow Me.” “Come
to Me….” “Come, you who are weary. . . “ “Come near . . . to God . . . “ and more.
“Come” requires a response of movement that lessens a separation. Two entities come closer together. Without the movement, the “come” has not taken place. “Come” always requires a choice of the one being beckoned. It also implies that something….or SomeOne awaits the action of the one being beckoned. The Daddy is looking for the child’s response. The Trainer is watching for the dog’s movement toward him. The hostess is prepared for the guest to enter her home.
“Come close to God,” requires a deliberate decision of movement that will close the distance between myself and God. “Come” is an action that intentionally closes the distance of separation. Making no movement brings no change. It may result in other effects connected to the initial “Come”, but not the outcome that had been initially intended or hoped.
God speaks to us, “Come close.” A simple invitation to move toward Him. But He does not leave it at that. God does not stand still, leaving all the action to us. He responds to our action to move towards Him by intentionally moving towards me. “He will come close to you.” Purposeful. Deliberate. Active. Inter-active. It is His response to my action of moving near to Him. He does not sit or stand, just looking at me as I move towards Him. He responds by intentionally moving towards me. I move towards Him. He moves towards me. He does not stand still, observing or scrutinizing my movement. He responds by moving nearer to me, initiated by His Invitation to “Come.”
The first step towards God is for each of us to “Come.” And do not be surprised if the next Whisper is, “Be still. . .and know that I am God.”
“Come” . . . (“Bo”). . .Such a simple, familiar word.
But when spoken by God, it opens the Door to Eternal Life.
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