The Closeness of God

The last sentence in Ezekiel is, “And the name of the city from that time on will be: THE LORD IS THERE.” What a wonderful name for a city!

When He came to earth as a baby, Jesus fulfilled the prophecy recorded in Matthew 1:23: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel (which means ‘God with us’).”

Then in Revelation 21:3, “A great voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God himself will be with them.’”

Finally, we have the promise in Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” At least three of these texts are speaking of God’s close relationship with His church. They speak of His faithfulness in His imminence. Thank God!

Written November 1990.

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Roots by the River

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