A young minister was in a city for a program. While he was ministering, an older minister noticed the precision with which he related with God and brought His mind to the people. After the meeting, the older minister met him; “Boy, where do you get those stuff from? I also need it so I can operate like you.” The older minister never knew that intimacy is not a gift.
Friend, salvation is a gift. You did not merit it. It came as a result of Christ’s finished work on the cross. It is by Grace that you are saved, not of works (Ephesians 2:8). The purpose of salvation is intimacy. God wants us to Himself; the fellowship that Adam lost in the garden of Eden, God has restored to us in Christ. However, intimacy is not a gift. Intimacy requires prices.
“…the seed of Abraham my friend” (Isaiah 41:8). There are about three positions that God has with us as His people; a Friend, a Father and a Judge. As a friend, intimacy is the key. As a Father, covenant is what plays out, and as a Judge, He wants us to live by His principles. When God called Abraham His friend, He was not talking about what Abraham got by covenant, He was referring to his walk with Him (Genesis 17:1, 18:17).
“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him…” (Genesis 18:19). It is one thing for you to know God, it is another thing for God to know you (Matthew 7:23). In intimacy, you do not only know God, He knows you. You share heart to heart with Him. He discusses with you as a friend. He shares emotions with you. He discusses His plans with you (Genesis 18:17).
“And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there…” (Exodus 24:12). The price of intimacy is time and attention. You cannot be intimate with someone you rarely spend time with. This is why the devil fights your time and attention. Sometimes, you have time but you lack attention. The atmosphere of intimacy is honour and respect. Honour is what grants access (1 Samuel 2:30, Isaiah 66:1-2).
The benefits and blessings of intimacy are numerous. It is what brings divine impregnation; the vision that you run your life with is determined by who or what impregnates you (Habakkuk 2:1-4, Luke 1:35). Intimacy is the secret of accuracy (Luke 1:80, John 1:29). Intimacy is what preserves life and destiny (Psalms 91:1). Intimacy is our real call and ministry (Matthew 7:23, Mark 3:14).
© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria