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James 4:8-Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
The Bible teaches that we need to constantly draw near to God as Christians. This is something we do continuously. Yet how do we actually draw near to God? The answer is found in the verb that James uses in this passage. The same verb is used in the Greek Old Testament.
“The verb James uses for “draw near” is the same verb the LXX has at Hosea 12:6 and Psalm 119:169 which in our English Bibles is translated “wait on the Lord” or “come near the Lord.” Both passages are dealing with prayer.”. (Gareth L. Reese, New Testament Epistles: James & 1. 2, 3 John: A Critical And Exegetical Commentary, 6284 footnote # 65 (Kindle Edition): Moberly, Missouri: Scripture Exposition Books, LLC)
When we look at both of these verses that James references, we learn some interesting lessons.
Hosea 12:6-So you, by the help of your God, return; Observe mercy and justice, And wait on your God continually.
Psalm 119:169-Let my cry come before You, O LORD; Give me understanding according to Your word.
The passage in Hosea deals especially with the subject of repentance. The Lord calls on the people to repent of their sins, especially the sins that they have committed against their neighbors. When we mistreat God, it won’t be long before we mistreat our fellow man.
God calls us to repentance.
So also in James, we are exhorted to pray to God as we repent of our sins (“cleanse your hands you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded”). If we honestly acknowledge our sins and continually work to overcome them, we are drawing near to God. But the longer we refuse to repent and return to the Lord, the further we distance ourselves from Him.
Psalm 119 is a passage that is devoted entirely to the subject of God’s Word. It discusses and elaborates on the beauty, the blessings, and the benefits of Holy Scripture. It in this context that the psalmist talks about drawing near to God. It is only when we humble ourselves in repentance before God and by listening to His holy Word that we truly draw near to God. Again, James had discussed this:
James 1:18-Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.
James 1:21-Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
James 1:25-But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
May we endeavor to always draw near to God.
Lord, help us to draw nearer to You each day. Be merciful with us when we sin, and help us to return to You in repentance. Guide us with Your Word. We praise You. Amen.