In a relationship it’s said that being clingy is a bad thing. In fact it serves to accomplish the exact opposite than what is desired. The clingier a person becomes, the more the other person starts to withdraw.
And while this seems to be the general effect in human relationships, it’s quite the opposite in our relationship with God. In fact, God wants to be clingy.
In the Law of God it says, “Serve only the Lord your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him.” (Deuteronomy 13:4)
It was this very thing the Lord revealed to Jeremiah.
“‘As the sash clings to the waist of a man, so I have caused the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah to cling to Me,’ says the Lord, ‘that they may become My people, for renown, for praise, and for glory’” (Jeremiah 13:11)
The Lord went on to say, however, that there was a problem, and that is they wouldn’t listen.
Because they refused to cling to the Lord, refused to listen to His words and walk in His ways, the Lord took the nation of Judah into captivity to the Babylonians.
Jesus wants us to cling closely to Him in our covenant relationship with Him. He talks about this saying that we are to abide in Him as a branch abides in the vine.
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5)
When we abide in Jesus, His life giving sustenance flows into us making our lives fruitful and prosperous. But if not, Jesus said that we would whither and die.
Begin clinging to, and abiding in Jesus today.
Dennis Lee is the senior pastor of Living Waters Fellowship located at 211 West 1st South behind ACE hardware. Sunday Service times are 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Look for the opening of our new sanctuary.
