Beyond God With Us

-Joe Fornear

During the Christmas season, much is made about Jesus’ name, “Emmanuel,” which means He has come to be with us. And rightly so! It was an incredible expression of love and humility to leave heaven’s comfort to live among us. But there is so much more to the geography of His Presence. 

Diving deeper, we learn He lives “in” or inside of those who believe on Him as Savior (more here on how to believe on Him and invite Him inside you). So, double wow! He came to live on the planet AND to reside within you and me! But wait, there’s more …

Deeper still, not only has Jesus come to live among us and in us, our union with Him is so complete that Paul wrote,

For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. – Colossians 3:3-4

And,

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. – Galatians 2:20

It’s almost like we’ve partaken of the divine nature ourselves! Wait, that’s exactly what Peter wrote,

He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature. – 2 Peter 1:4

Our complete union with Him is such an amazing gift to enjoy at Christmas and every day. Let’s explore what this means in our daily lives:

• Though we may be physically alone, we have the Great Companion to accompany and even more to complete us. We’ve arrived!
• Though we feel overwhelmed, we have the Great Enabler infusing us with power to take the next step. We’re more than conquerors!
• Though we beat ourselves up over our sin and weakness, we have the Great Encourager to root for us and lift us up. We are free from sin and condemnation.
• Though we’re frustrated by our circumstances, the Tranquil One provides us perfect peace deep inside. I found this so true at those times when I leaned on Him during my battle with Stage IV metastatic melanoma cancer.

All of this happens internally! He doesn’t “come down” to earth to answer our prayers now – He springs up from within us to act on our behalf. Him and I are never separate! You and Him are never separate! I want to quit seeing Him as “out there,” rather He’s one with me – “in here”!