“Am I a God who is only near” — this is the Lord’s declaration — “and not a God who is far away? Can a person hide in secret places where I cannot see him?” — the Lord’s declaration. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” — the Lord’s declaration.”
Immanence…the Lord is near. Transcendence…the Lord is far away. The Kingdom of God is already here…the Lord is near. The Kingdom of God is coming…the Lord is far away. God is sovereign over all matters…the Lord is near. Humans are responsible for their choices…the Lord is far away. God is love…the Lord is near. God is the just Judge…the Lord is far away. Jesus identifies with the poor and oppressed…the Lord is near. Jesus reigns supreme over all authorities and powers…the Lord is far away.
We all want a God who is near. We all need a God who is far away. Every other religion or ideology will force you to choose. Christianity looks to Jesus and embraces the tension of holding both to be simultaneously true.
“Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?”
Yes, Lord! You do!
Think These Things 