In my journey with the KING I find HE continues to ask me the above question. HE repeatedly requires that I examine my heart and life to make sure I know the difference. In 2 Kings we meet a lady that is not mentioned by name. She is only referred to as the Shuenmite lady. The absence of her name causes us to focus on the message of her life not her genealogy
The opening scriptures about her life have her doing the mundane tradition of her culture. Seeing a stranger in the marketplace and offering a room for the prophet to rest for the night. Nothing unusual about that. Just an everyday activity in an ordinary day. I find that most of the amazing things I encounter with Christ follow that pattern. My life is rarely impacted by incredible services or meeting famous people. My life turns on the activities of ordinary days.
The scripture indicates the prophet came back often to rest for the night. But after a time she was not content with that. She wanted to prepare a place that told him, “You are welcomed to stay here as long as you like”. She no longer wanted visitation from the prophet, she wanted habitation.
As every married couple can attest, there is a big difference between closeness and intimacy. In our everyday dealings of making a living, raising children, being a good neighbor and church member we develop a closeness in our marriage. That closeness exceeds the general friendship and excitement that began our marriages. But then there are those times when it is just the two of you. Fully giving yourselves to each other. No other distractions, no other people being thought of. Just the two of you intimately expressing your love.
Jesus longs for that intimate relationship with each of us. HE enjoys those periods of time when we are performing our “Christian duties” such as church attendance, Bible reading, doing for others, etc. But HE desires that we not just be close to HIM in activity but to draw to HIM in intimacy. HE desires periods of time when our hearts no longer want a visitation from HIM but want HIM to inhabit our being in such a way that we aware of no one but HIM.
In trying to explain the difference to me once Jesus said, “people might kiss on a street corner Baby Girl, but you don’t get pregnant in a store front window”. We all yearn to become impregnated with Kingdom potential but you can’t do that with just closeness. You have to become intimate with HIM. You have to not only draw away from the crowds but you also have to draw away from the thoughts that crowd your mind. You have to set your affection toward HIM letting HIM know that in those moments HE is the only one you are centered on.
Closeness will not breed KINGDOM seed in you but intimacy will.
See you soon with another thought from the Tea Room