The nearness of things is a powerful thought. That which is near to us is that which affects us most deeply. Scripture often draws our attention to the reality that, in the spiritual realm, many vital things are not distant, but near—pressing upon us with urgency, with comfort, with hope. Let us consider together these “things that are near,” and what they reveal about our Lord and His dealings with us.

Christ and His Eternal Nearness

First, we see the Conscious Sufferer. As Jesus gathered with His disciples in the upper room, He said, “The Master says, ‘My time is at hand’” (Matthew 26:18, BSB). He was fully aware that the cross loomed near. His sufferings were not unforeseen, nor were they unwanted. They were the very reason He came. His consciousness of the approaching hour did not deter Him; it drew Him onward in obedient love to the Father’s will. Here we see a Savior who willingly moved toward suffering for our sake.

Next, consider the Approaching Deliverer. On a night filled with fear, as the disciples struggled against a raging sea, they beheld Jesus, “drawing near to the boat” (John 6:19, BSB). What a picture of Christ’s faithfulness! In the midst of life’s storms, when we think ourselves alone, He is nearer than we imagine. He comes walking upon the very waves that threaten to undo us. How many times has He drawn near when all seemed lost?

Thirdly, think on the City’s Vicinity. John records that “the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city” (John 19:20, BSB). Calvary was not in some remote desert place, but near to the bustle and the business of human life. Christ’s sacrifice was not hidden away; it was carried out in full view. The nearness of His cross to the city speaks to us still: His death touches the very center of human need and activity.

Then there is the nearness of a Saving Gospel. Paul declares, “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart” (Romans 10:8, BSB). Salvation is not far off, requiring a pilgrimage or a monumental effort. It is near—offered freely to those who believe. The Gospel is at the door of your heart, ready to be received. Have you embraced it?

Fifth, we find a Securing Price. Paul reminds the Ephesians that they were “brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13, BSB). Once alienated and far off, we are now drawn close—into the household of God—through the precious blood shed on Calvary. No price was spared; no barrier remains. In Christ, nearness to God is not only possible; it is assured.

Sixth, consider the blessing of a Living Presence. Paul writes to the Philippians, “The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:5, BSB). Whether it be His spiritual nearness now or His imminent return soon, this truth stands as a pillar of hope. The Lord is not a distant observer but a present Helper. His nearness calls us to gentleness, to prayer, to confident joy.

Finally, there is a Portentous Time. Twice in Revelation we hear the solemn warning, “The time is near” (Revelation 1:3; 22:10, BSB). History is not endless; it is moving swiftly to its appointed end. The return of Christ is not a far-off dream, but an impending certainty. Are we ready? Are we living in the light of the nearness of eternity?

All these reminders—the approaching hour of Christ’s suffering, His drawing near to His disciples, the nearness of the cross, the immediacy of the Gospel, the securing blood, His living presence, and the fast-approaching end—speak with one voice. They tell us that God is not far from us. He is near in Christ Jesus, near in the Gospel, near by His Spirit.

How does the knowledge of His nearness shape your heart today? Does it stir you to worship, to repentance, to boldness in your walk of faith?

To reflect further, you may turn to:

Hebrews 10:22 – “Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith…”

James 4:8 – “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”