Hebrews 2:17 — Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
Isaiah 43:2 — But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
“Nearer My God To Thee”: Does it seem an odd choice of hymn to inspire an Easter devotion? Perhaps you remember the story of the band on the deck of the Titanic as she sunk into the icy waters. That’s not what’s in my mind though … It’s the first verse that British actress Sarah Walker write, back in the 1840’s.
Nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!NE’en though it be a cross that raiseth me. Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to thee, Nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!
The crucifixion brings us closer to God in two special ways.
We are, perhaps, familiar with the idea that The Son, in dying, shared our experience of death. He was born, lived and died. He was hungry, thirsty, tired. He feared, suffered, was beaten and died. One way and another they are experiences we will all pass through.
What though, of the Father? He looked on, and saw His Son die — powerless to save Him, if He was to follow through His plan to redeem mankind. The Father was bereaved … We can know that when we pass through the waters, he will be with us.
The little hymn has another verse though …
Or, if on joyful wing cleaving the sky, Sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I’ll fly, Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee.
The Resurrection gives us a certain knowledge if we will claim it, that one day Jesus will return for His own. We will live with Him, always in His presence.
Are there times when God seems far away? You can be sure that he is always near. Sometimes though, we turn away. If at times He seems far off, remember Good Friday and turn your eyes to the cross. Remember Resurrection Sunday and be lifted up to meet Him again. Let all your song be, “nearer, my God, to Thee.”