Unapproachable Light?

1 Timothy 6:15-16

...the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To Him be honor and might forever. Amen.

God is many things to us. He is our Father, Friend, Comforter, Creator, Protector, Salvation. This list could go on and on and on. However, we must not forget that God is far superior to anything that we could call Him, feel about Him, or declare Him to be.

When I first read this verse, I wondered, "Why would this verse describe God as living in unapproachable light?" With all that we know about God, isn't He approachable? Kind? Loving? Jesus said in Matthew 19:14, "Let the little children come to me." However, as we see in Exodus 3, God appears to Moses as a burning bush. Moses, in his curiosity, draws closer to the bush to see why it had not been consumed with fire. God calls his name, and Moses draws near. Before getting too close to be harmed by the flames, God stops Moses and says, ""Do not come any closer. Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground."

I believe God draws us near to Him, so that He can draw near to us. In His lovingkindness, He steps out of His unapproachable light, which is much too powerful, much too bright, and much too holy for us to approach. Therefore, He, in all His grace and mercy, approaches us. The God who created the universe cares about me and loves me enough to step out of His holiness and glory to approach me. That should give you something to smile about today!