Lazarus had died. And Jesus had come to his place - town of Bethany only four days later. Jesus loved this family. He would come there often to visit them. Hearing that Jesus was in town, Martha ran to tell Him about her brother's death. But Mary was seated still in her house. Both sisters said the same thing to Jesus even though it was at different points in time - Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. (John 11:20,21,32)But the words of Mary moved Jesus to tears. He groaned in the spirit and went to the sepulchre. Martha's words did not force Jesus to cry nor go to the tomb. Why?The difference was how they approached Jesus. Martha did not fall at the feet of Jesus but Mary fell at His feet. It wasn't only this time she was at His feet, but in another place, she is seen sitting at His feet and hearing His Word.Dear brother/sister, how do you go to the Presence of Jesus?Wouldn't it be great to fall at the feet of the King of kings and just be there? I would love to. We must desire to be at the feet of Jesus for everything.James 4:8 says, Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Why should we go to Jesus?

• His coming is near so we should go to Him. St. Paul in Philippians 4:5 also tells the same thing, Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
• Because salvation is near to those who fear Him - Psalms 85:9. We should be near Him to hear His call. Peter followed Jesus afar off, when Jesus was led into crucifixion. Peter had witnessed great wonders and miracles but wasn't converted. He had not repented. He had faith but it was little.
• He is the One who justifies us - Isaiah 50:8 - He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? Furthermore, Romans 8:33 says, Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. We need to be converted from our disobedience and come near to Him.

How can we go near to God?

• By the Blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13 - But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
• It is God's choice. He is the One who does the work of bringing us to Him. Psalms 65:4 - Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.
• Being justified by His Blood. Romans 5:9 - Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
• When Jesus is our advocate/mediator. Hebrews 7:25 - Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Jesus always intercedes for us that is why we are in His Presence - 1 John 2:21.
• Through the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:12 - Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
• By the bringing in of a better hope. Hebrews 7:25 - For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

Be blessed!