What does "Am I only a God nearby" reveal about God's nature? Opening Text “Am I only a God nearby,” declares the LORD, “and not a God far away?” – Jeremiah 23:23 Immediate Setting of Jeremiah 23 • Chapter 23 rebukes false prophets who speak lies while claiming divine authority. • By asking this piercing question, God exposes their shallow view of Him; they treat Him as local and limited, forgetting His universal reach. What the Question Reveals about God’s Nature God’s Nearness—His Immanence • He enters human history, speaks through prophets, and cares about everyday details (Matthew 10:29-31). • “He is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:27). • Because God is near: – He hears prayers instantly (Psalm 145:18). – He comforts the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). – He indwells believers by His Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). God’s Far-Reaching Presence—His Transcendence and Omnipresence • “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” (Jeremiah 23:24). • Nothing escapes His sight: “The eyes of the LORD are in every place” (Proverbs 15:3). • David sings, “If I ascend to the heavens, You are there… if I settle by the farthest sea, even there Your hand will guide me” (Psalm 139:8-10). • He is “high and exalted… dwells in a high and holy place” (Isaiah 57:15). Balancing Nearness and Transcendence • God is close enough to walk with us, yet vast enough to rule galaxies. • He is not limited to temples, traditions, or territories (1 Kings 8:27). • His nearness invites intimacy; His transcendence commands reverence. Practical Implications • Assurance in Trials – No circumstance hides us from His view (Romans 8:38-39). – His omnipresence means comfort is always at hand. • Accountability and Holiness – Secret sins are never secret to Him (Hebrews 4:13). – Knowing He fills all space motivates integrity. • Worship with Awe and Warmth – We draw near confidently (Hebrews 4:16) yet bow in humble fear (Psalm 96:9). Takeaway “Am I only a God nearby?” underscores that the LORD is both intimately present and infinitely vast. He walks beside His people while reigning over the universe, leaving no place untouched by His sovereign, loving presence. |
    |