It seems like one of the most common traits of all human beings, across all times and places, is wanting to be close to the divine. Even today as many are losing faith in God, many people would still call themselves “spiritual” (whatever that means). But whereas every other worldview thinks we have to strive to get to God, only Christianity says God has come down and made his home with us. Jesus has not left us alone! The God for whom our souls yearn is here on Earth, to know and love his people.
But this is no average love he gives us. This is no mediocre relationship we get to have with him. This is love abounding to the utmost from both sides. What Jesus promised his disciples was an intimacy with God so close that it matches the intimacy between the three persons of the godhead. What amazing love! This is us being overwhelmed by God’s affection and blessings engulfing us, and us devoting every ounce of our being to the joy of loving our Lord. And this dynamic relationship utterly satisfies our souls’ deepest spiritual searches. Have you stopped to consider just how loved you are? And have you ever fathomed loving Jesus that much?
It's important for us to note that Jesus describes exactly what it looks like for us to love him: obeying him. I know many people who try to say they love Jesus while also carrying on with the desires of the flesh and the whims of the world. Such a double life is total nonsense. God’s Word recognizes no follower of Jesus that does not obey Jesus. After all, Jesus is king. And if the wise king you love so dearly commands you on where to devote your life, What happier choice is there than to obey him?
And the most remarkable thing happens when we love him this way. We are in Christ, and Christ is in us, just as much as Christ and the Father are in each other. We live in the divine life that Jesus lives, and because he lives eternally, never to die again, we also live eternally, never to die again. Should that not multiply our love even more, over and over? God is with us—really with us—so how can we not love him and obey him to the utmost? The song says it well: “Amazing love! I know it’s true—and it’s my joy to honor you, in all I do. I honor you.”
