Where Are You?

We've more than likely heard this question a few times in our lives. Maybe from a parent playing peek-a-boo when we were too young to remember, or from a parent when we were past curfew back in high school. More recently it could have been a text from a close friend wanting to hang out (pre-social distancing, of course). A pretty simple question at face value, but why might this question sound different in each situation?

  • For the toddler playing peek-a-boo, "Where are you?" is a playful and silly question that may invoke a giggle or two. The parent hasn't lost them of course!
  • If a scared or upset parent is calling a teen past curfew, "Where are you?" might make their heart drop and race with "uh oh, I'm in trouble."
  • If a close friend is texting "Where are you?" and communicating a desire to meet up and connect, this might make you feel cared for.

Same question with quite varied intentions behind each. What if God were to ask you, "Where are you?" How might you respond?

This question is in the Bible and might be one of the most significant questions asked in all of history. What if I told you this question might be the most important one for you to consider today?

Rankin Wilbourne, in his book Union with Christ, has two quotes that help us understand its importance: "The Bible is the truest and best of redemption stories. It opens with two people and all creation in perfect harmony with God. They walk and talk with God in intimate communion, and ‘it was very good' (Genesis 1:31). But quickly things go very bad, as our first parents chose to disobey God and lean on their own understanding. But rather than leave Adam and Eve to their shame, God mercifully seeks them out. God's first words to them after betrayal are not ‘What have you done?' but ‘Where are you?' (Genesis 3:9)."

"Where are you? That may be the best three-word summary of the Bible in the Bible. The whole rest of the book is the unfolding narrative of God's relentless pursuit to restore humanity, now banished from God's presence by the presence of sin, to God's original intent--unbroken, unhindered communion with Him and with one another in all creation."

"Where are you to me?" seems to be the intent of the Lord towards Adam and Eve then, and you and I today. Where are you in relation to God? Have you been near? Are you far-off? Or maybe you're unsure.

Some helpful questions to gauge "where you are" towards the Lord:

  • How do I believe God feels towards/thinks about me right now?
  • Are there any barriers keeping me from drawing near to Christ "with a true heart and full assurance of faith"? (Hebrews 10:22)
  • What is my response to Jesus' words in Revelation 3:20?
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me."

God asks "Where are you?"

How will you respond?

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