You Are Not A Distant Lord
You are not a distant Lord,
a detached Master
moving the pawns
on the board
in an impersonal act
of winning.
Your Lordship
does not separate
me from you
as a serf
would be separated
from a king.
No, you accomplished
your sovereign plan
by invading my
dark and messy world
in the person
of your Son,
giving yourself
in radical grace
to people
who saw no value
in your nearness.
You are Master,
but you are
Emmanuel.
You are Lord,
but you are
Father.
You are King,
but you are
Friend.
You are Sovereign
but you are
Shepherd.
Your rule is not from
afar.
No, your rule brings you
near.
I have hope today
because you are not
distant.
And I celebrate
the amazing
rest and strength
to be found in the reality that
your sovereignty
has brought you
near.
God bless
Paul Tripp
Reflection Questions
1. In what ways are you tempted to believe that the Lord is, or has been, distant?
2. What Scripture verses provide evidence that the Lord is in fact near? How can you remind yourself of these truths in moments of fear or confusion?
3. What evidence has the Lord given you in the past, and recently, that he has invaded your life with radical grace?
4. Do you struggle to view the Lord as King OR Friend; Master OR Emmanuel? How can you view him as both at the same time, and what difference will that make in the way you view your God and your life?
5. How does the sovereignty of God give you rest and strength today? Think of practical applications.
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