LBW 508, “Come Down, O Love Divine”
Devotion
In his book God is Closer Than You Think, John Ortberg uses Michelangelo’s work in the Sistine Chapel to paint a picture of a God who longs to be near us. In the image, God has come down on a cloud to be close to his creation, God’s hand straining to reach down to Adam. Adam has only to lift a finger and he will be touching the Lord.
The poetry of this hymn reminds us that all we need to do to be close to God is ask. One of Martin Luther’s greatest revelations is that we all have access to God. Through prayer, scripture and the sacraments we can bring our cares right to the Lord and feel God’s presence in our lives. God wants to hear us calling, “Come down, seek me, love me.” How do we know? Because God sent down his Son to show us the way to live. Jesus, flesh and blood just like you and me. Can God be any closer than that?
Prayer
Draw near, Holy Comforter. Make your home in my heart. Warm my weary soul. Fill me with your peace. Amen.