August 2020

Extravagant

The love of God is extravagant and relentless. From the very beginning of of His story in the earth, He has been pursuing the heart of man. When Adam disobeyed, still He came. “Adam, where are you?” He sought out Abram to make a covenant with him and make a people for His own good pleasure. He cut the covenant of blessing designed to pave the way for His own character of grace, blessing and hospitality to be forged within them. He choose and appointed judges and prophets to make sure His people could hear His voice and learn His ways. When His wrath for sin was full, He sent His own Son to carry the weight of it and settle the debt once and for all. When He brought His Son back to sit at His right hand to rule and reign forever, He sent the Holy Spirit to encourage and empower us to be ministers of reconciliation. He came all the way to be with us and to bring us to where He is.

Amazing grace. Boundless love. Everlasting life. And all the promises of God are “yes” and “amen”. We do not have to stay in our sin. We do not have to be afraid. In Christ we are forgiven, accepted, redeemed and beloved. This merciful truth brings us to our knees in repentance, and we return. Again and again, we are washed, renewed, refreshed and restored….because He is dead serious about sin.

Oh, God, search me and try me, and see if there be any wicked or offensive way in me. Create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10) Make me a fit vessel, useful in your hand for the pouring out of blessing. Satisfy me. Fill me up with your love, so that it is only your lovingkindness that motivates me and shines through me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

This video by Shane and Shane is a bit longer than the ones I usually point to, but the message is timely and worth listening to.

Until next week, dear one, yield to the pursuit of Him who loves you so extravagantly.

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