Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - July/66

Contributor - Rev. Martin Schultz

Title - God Goes With You

Topic - Meditation

Jeremiah 23:23-24

Am I a God at hand, says the Lord, and not a God afar off? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him?" says the Lord. "Do I not fill heaven and earth?" says the Lord.

So near, Oh, He is so near. God comes so close to those who know and love Him but He is "afar off" to those who presume that it is so easy to understand Him. This is the blessing and warning of Jeremiah in these verse of scripture. What we are concerned with in this meditation is the nearness of God to those who know Him.

As the vacation season unfolds around us let those who know, love, and confess Him consider these words - it should be a part of our vacation plan to understand that He goes with us wherever we go. Many of us will plan to swim, fish, play, do this, see that and simply have a relaxing time! But where will we fit God into our busy schedules? Or do we want to!

Think about this for a moment. How many members of the Body of Christ consider holiday time a time to escape from daily boredom, daily routine? And does this getting away also include being away from God?

"You cannot hide from God, though mountains cover you, His eye our secret thoughts behold. His presence all our lives enfold, He knows our purposes untold, You cannot hide from God."

As many of you plan your vacation trips remember also the journeys Jesus made through the Holy Land. Think about the many miles the Apostle Paul walked around the Mediterranean Sea. You may say - but Jesus and Paul were not on vacation, and you are right. However, if you consider these biblical journeys God will be in your vacation.

Can you picture yourself sitting in a boat on a calm lake waiting for that exhilarating tug on the fishing pole you hold in your hand? What a time of excitement. The sun is beating down turning your complexion from light and pale to a beautiful tan. The wind ripples the water and fare your face. Then think of Jesus "leaving the crowd" as He steps into a boat with His disciples; picture Him falling into a deep sleep as the boat sails across the sea; hear the disciples as they become concerned with the rising wind, feel the water as the wind whips the waves against the boat; watch the men as they awaken Jesus, as He stands in the stern of the boat, as He raises His hands and rebukes the wind - "Peace! Be still." So near, He is so near.

Can you feel the relaxation as you sit on the grass in front of the cabin or tent at the close of the day? The children are all sleeping, all the camping chores are complete. The frogs are croaking, you hear the occasional splash as (a fish jumps attempting to capture a bug on the water; the moon reflects its light, and the stars fare twinkling in the heavens. Then think of Jesus as He took His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane, away from the turmoil of the city, and there He began to pray. It was evening (Mark 14 : 17); it was quiet, you could hear the crickets, the stars were shining. There Jesus knelt in the grass because of mankind. So near, He is so near.

How close will He be to you? Surely vacation time should be a time of relaxation, but it also is a time of renewal. We have been called by God and then sent out to confront a waiting world. Therefore, as we relax during the holiday season let us, be renewed in thought, word and deed so each of us may be able to face the world with the witness of the Living Christ shining through us. This becomes possible if we make sure we understand that wherever we go God goes with us.

"You cannot hide from God, You cannot hide from God, Wherever you go, Whatever you do; You cannot hide from God, His eye is fixed on you, You cannot hide from God."

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