The Seeking God

Psalm 136:23  It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
for his steadfast love endures forever;  (ESV)

If there is one thing that is clear in this Psalm it is that the steadfast love of God endures forever! When God makes a covenant you can count on His absolute faithfulness. He keeps His end of the bargain no matter what, no matter how long it takes. He is ever merciful, always kind to His sheep. The sun comes up each day, because He is faithful (v. 8). He delivered His people and gave them the land because of His hesed (v. 21-22). "Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever"! (v. 2)

Pastor Jeff was speaking on Luke 15 yesterday, and it hit me that in all three of these parables (the lost coin, the lost sheep and the lost son) it is God who does the seeking. It is not about us diligently seeking the kingdom. God diligently pursues us! It is He who remembers me in my lowly estate. It is God who went after me when I was openly rebelling against Him. He is the loving Father constantly calling home this prodigal. Jesus died for me - this is the blood covenant testifying of His unconditional love for me. The Father will never let up on His end of the bargain! Jesus only asks one thing from me. Come and follow me! Be my disciple. Join me on the mission. And I will give you abundant life.

I am Yours. Bought and paid for. I lay my life down (again) as a living sacrifice. Where You lead me, I will follow. Holy Spirit give me ears to hear and eyes to see. Grant me conviction, discerning of spirits, and faith. Teach me, Lord Jesus. Guide me. Father I present myself as a living sacrifice. I am Yours. In Jesus' name...

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever" (v. 1).

-Amen,
         Son

RE: Trust

Psalm 124:6-7  Blessed be the LORD,
  who has not given us
  as prey to their teeth!
We have escaped like a bird
  from the snare of the fowlers;
the snare is broken,
  and we have escaped!  (ESV)

 
What vivid imagery: if God had not delivered us, these enemies would be tearing us apart - sinking their teeth into our flesh. It is an image of narrow escape at the last minute - like a bird caught in a trap who manages to break free just in time. Oh the feeling of freedom (joy and triumph) as he flies away!

Once again it is as sovereign creator God, that He is able to deliver us. He is powerful, all powerful. I am limited, weak, finite. The truth is I am bothered by this. I want to have all I need to deliver myself. I feel more secure this way. I don't want to have to trust someone else. On the other side of the coin - oh the feeling of relief when I realize I don't have to do it all on my own (be all), especially when I know that ultimately I can't. I can't control everything.

God, help me to embrace this joy of release - the peace of dependence on another. Holy Spirit imprint an understanding of the character of God upon the retina of my brain that I might not forget Your loving kindness toward me (hesed). The truth is that I probably have more trouble believing that "You will" more so than "You can." I ask You to receive me, loving Father, just as I am. I thank You Jesus, my friend, my Lord, my brother for demonstrating so clearly and tangibly - How great the Fathers love for us!

In Jesus' name - Amen,
                               Son