A God So Near

Deuteronomy 4:7 (ESV) For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon him?

I really like this verse from the Old Testament when Moses is speaking to the Israelites in regard to obeying the Law. Moses speaks of their blessing as a nation, because their God is above any other god in that He is near His people whenever they pray. As I was reading this verse, I was claiming its truth for us as believers in Christ Jesus. Suddenly I had the urge to prove it in the scripture. Check out these verses. Here's what my research turned up:

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV) But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Galatians 3:29 (ESV) And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.

First, Peter tells us that we are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's very own possession, because we are in Christ Jesus.  Then in Galatians, Paul teaches us that if we are in Christ Jesus was are children of Abraham. There you go! We are children of Abraham like the Israelites and a holy nation. I have to ask, "What great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call on him?" The answer: Only the body of Christ.  Does God seem distant? Will you take time right now to call on Him and enjoy the blessing of knowing He is near? Remember that we cannot always rely on our feelings. We must rely on the truth of His Word. The Word says He is near and His Word is truth!
For further study: Look back over these verses and note all the different phrases the scripture uses to describe us in Christ Jesus. I found 7 in these 3 verses. How many did you find?