God is
Approachable
December 22, 2003
Make no mistake about it: Many people fear God and
think he's about as approachable as King Kong. They recall the
story of Moses and the terrified Israelites at Mt. Sinai when
God revealed himself with, "thunder and lightning flashes, and a
thick cloud upon the mountain and a very loud trumpet sound, so
that all the people in the camp trembled" (Exodus 19:16). The
God would could create and control such powerful physical forces
as thunder, lightening and clouds doesn't seem too welcoming.
On another occasion the oxen carrying the ark of
God stumbled and a man irreverently reached out to stabilize the
ark. Immediately, God struck him dead (2 Samuel 6:6-7). Such a
violent punishment leveled against an act of disrespect gives
the feeling reaching out to God is about as smart as placing
your hand on the face of a hot iron.
Apart from those stories people have also gotten
the mistaken idea that all sorts of religious hoops have to be
jumped through to get to God.
All such misconceptions about God are laid to rest
in a manger, in a stable, in Bethlehem some 2,000 years ago. Who
could be more approachable than an infant? Who could be less of
a threat than a swaddled child with his hands secured at his
side? Who invites affection and love more than a newborn child?
You see, don't you? God entered our world as a
baby because he wanted us to know he is approachable. This
Christmas as you contemplate the Christ child--draw near to God.
He invites your affection and adoration.
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