THE PURSUING GOD

Good morning everyone.

 

Here is today's Bible lesson:

 

THE PURSUING GOD

 

READ:

Galatians 4:1-7

 

God sent forth His Son, born

of a woman...to redeem those

who were under the law.

-Galatians 4:4-5

 

Pastor Tim Keller of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan rightly observes that Christianity is unique among all religions for it is about God's pursuit o us to draw us to Himself.  In every other religious system, people pursue their god, hoping that through good behavior, keeping of tituals, good works, or other efforts they will be accepted by the god they pursue.

 

The British poet Francis Thompson catches the profound nature of this reality when he writes of the relentless pursuit of God in his life.  In his work titled "The Hound of Heaven," he writes that as he fled from God he couldn't outrun "those strong feet that followed...with unhurrying chase and unperturbed pace."  But God's untiring pursuit of the wayward is not just Thompson's story.  At the heart of the Christmas message is the wonderful truth of God' pursuit of every one of us.  As Paul affirms, "God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law" (Galatians 4:4-5).

 

 And it's not just the Christmas story.  It's the story of God's pursuit of Adam and Eve after the fall.  His pursuit of me!  His pursuit of you!  Where would we be today if God weren't the "Hound of Heaven"? -Joe Stowell

Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love!  How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me? -Wesley
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God's undying desire for you will never cease.

INSIGHT
Today's  reading reflects on the believer's adoption into God's family.  The Bible Knowledge Commentary describes how this has resulted in a marvelous spiritual intimacy with God:  "God the Father not only 'sent His Son': He also sent the Spirit.  Thus the full Trinity is involved in the work of salvation....The Spirit moves the believer to pray to God, addressing Him as Abba, Father (cv.Romans 8:15).  The word 'Abba' is the Aramaic word for 'Father.'  It is the diminutive form used by small children in addressing their fathers.  It is appropriate to see its similarity to the English word 'Daddy.' Used by Christ (cv. Mark 14:36), this familiar form indicates intimacy and trust as opposed to the formalism of legalism."

Have a blessed day and weekend.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace