Draw Nigh unto God by J. CLARKE

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 19, 1867

Draw Nigh unto God.

By J. CLARKE

“Draw nigh unto God, and he will draw nigh unto you.” James iv, 8. Paul, in his letter to the Hebrews, says, “Let us draw near to God with a true heart, in full assurance of faith.”

This is a sincere and hearty invitation, coming from God through his chosen servants, and, to those who are striving for eternal life, it is a precious invitation.

Had some earthly potentate seen fit to invite the poor sinner to partake with him of a sumptuous repast, how joyfully would the invitation have been accepted! Shall the Lord of Heaven and earth meet with a cold repulse when he so gently invites?

It is an invitation with a promise. He who draws near to God cannot fail to realize the promise. Let him be ever so desirous of the presence of his Saviour, the Lord has been more desirous to save, more prompt to fulfill his promise, and more ready to meet the repentant sinner.

God, in the person of his Son, has been first in this matter; and yet he condescends to address the sinner, as though his act in this matter would move him to go to his rescue, when he might have justly reproached the sinner for his blindness and ingratitude. But does he do this? No; but nobly passing over the sin of neglect and coldness in his erring child, he promises to forget all, and take the offender to his bosom if he will but draw nigh to him; and more than this, he will meet the erring one, and help him to draw near.

Do we realize the heavenly privilege of drawing near to God? Can we value this privilege as we desire? That is, have we any capacity or measure wherewith to set a value upon it? Might we not as easily value eternal life? Our minds falter at the thought. Oh! the priceless, the infinite gift—to hold sweet communion with our heavenly Father!

Draw near to God. Are you sordid? it will elevate you. Are you weak? it will strengthen you. Are you poor? it will lift you from the sting of poverty. Are you in sorrow? it will comfort you. Are you ignorant? it will enlighten you. Are you bewildered with care and weariness? it will strengthen, settle, and clear your troubled mind. Is your conscience troubled with the fearful shadows of past sins? it will bring balm and healing to your wounded spirit. Are you fearful? it will give you courage.

In this world, everything is valued at a price; but God's favor is free on conditions of obedience. Although so free, how few value it. All the commodities of earth, perishable and transitory though they be, are eagerly sought after, no matter how great the cost; yet the favor of God, to be possessed by the simple act of obedience to his Word, is spurned and despised; still God condescends to invite, and annexes a promise. Let us draw near to God; for he will then draw near to us.

J. CLARKE.