Introduction to Biblical Meditation (VI)
The last sentence in the book of Matthew is Jesus Christ making a promise to us, “I am with you always even to the end of the age,” Matthew 28:20. We tend to look at this as a salvation promise; but when we really break it down, it is so much more. Jesus is making a promise to the living today. He is wanting to make sure we are aware of His love for taking care of us right now. This is why Jesus in the gospel of John declares His intention is not only for those He was with currently, but also those who would come to know Him later in human history. John 17:20-26 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 “that they all may be one, as You, Father, [are] in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 “And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 “I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. 24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 25 “O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. 26 “And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare [it,] that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”
Why is this important? Because God has created the tools necessary for His personal interaction with us on a daily basis. He is with us now just as much as He was with the disciples! He is more deeply intwined into the very fabric of our life than we could possibly imagine. This is why Biblical meditation is so vital in the life of the born again Christian. We are saved through faith, there is nothing we can do in order to attain such a perfect gift, but in salvation we are set free to pursue the Lord in ways that He intended us to be able to use.
I hope this series on Biblical meditation has helped you understand the reality of what meditation really is about. Remember, God is not far from us. He is begging to be part of our life in more than just salvation. He wants to help you in every stage, aspect, and event that we find ourselves in. He has a plan and a purpose for your personal life; all we have to do is slow down, get into His word, and truly seek after Him. Remember the promise Jeremiah 29:11-14 “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. 12 ‘Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 ‘You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. 14 ‘I will be found by you,’ declares the LORD.”
Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,
JL