What do you think of when you hear the word intimacy?
It’s a term loaded with meaning in today’s society, but a brief dictionary definition describes it as ‘close familiarity or friendship.’
In recent weeks, as a church, we have been exploring intimacy with God. Our pastor first shared, “I want to know Him because I want to make Him known,” and following that, we learned that “walking with Him will make us more like Him!”
Abraham was known as a man who walked faithfully with God and was considered a friend of God.
Our friendships are extremely important to us. However, in a modern era of hyper-connectivity, it has become evident that more people are lonelier than ever before.
The philosopher Aristotle said, “In poverty and other misfortunes of life, true friends are a sure refuge. They keep the young out of mischief; they comfort and aid the old in their weakness, and they incite those in the prime of life to noble deeds.”
You are the average of your 5 closest relationships - Jim Rohn
What is the character of your most intimate friends?
Jesus shared many intimate moments with some of his closest friends, but one that stands out is the story of him washing the disciples’ feet. It's important to remember that this group of misfits from various backgrounds, with different political views, expected Jesus to lead them in a revolution against the might of Rome. Yet, He used this powerful moment as a lesson in humility and servanthood. While that is the main lesson most of us take away from this story, I want to highlight how close their friendship was. Jesus was comfortable enough around them, and they were comfortable too, to share the Passover meal together. This traditional celebration from the time of Moses is meant to be celebrated as a family, remembering the day when God released the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt. Knowing that they celebrated together sheds light on the disciples’ relationship with Jesus in a familial way.
There is a line in the scripture that tells us how John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining on Jesus himself. If that doesn’t signify a close friendship, I'm not sure what does!
So, the first question is, who can be intimate with God?
The answer is - you!
If this randomly collected group of smelly fishermen, political zealots, and despised tax collectors could be invited into an intimate relationship with Jesus, then I’m certain the invitation is open to you too.
The second question is, how can you be intimate with God? Well, obviously, we don’t have the physical incarnation of Jesus walking on earth today as the disciples did, but we do have His Holy Spirit and a direct line to God the Father because of what Jesus did.
This brings us to our method;
Prayer – listening to Him, contemplating His words, and sharing your problems with Him Worship – Offering yourself to Him in reverent honor and devotion
Word – Gaining insight and understanding from the scriptures
All three are necessary to have a deep, lasting intimate relationship with God. Just as a successful relationship with a spouse or friend requires communication, devotion, and learning about each other, a relationship with God demands the same.
Do you desire a better life? You may perceive your life as great, good, or terrible, but one thing we all have in common is the desire to improve what we have.
I firmly believe that by trusting in God and cultivating a close, intimate friendship with your heavenly Father (when on the cross Jesus cried out “Abba, Father,” using the Aramaic word Abba, which means Daddy, cool huh?), you can actually live a better life. A life filled with purpose, joy, and peace. A life enriched with friends, family, and a strong sense of community.
Essentially, what I’m trying to convey is;
Communication is the foundation of biblical intimacy, both with God and with His people.
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