He Makes the First Move
By Ana Blackwell
The way God pursues mere humans will never cease to amaze me. Individuals from the Bible such as Abraham, the 12 disciples, and Paul were people God dearly loved and sought after. Because they are characters well known in the Christian world and other religions, often we forget that we are just as special as the celebrities from the Bible. Surely the Lord didn’t leave us examples in the Word only to have us envy them. As Paul writes to Timothy, “the scripture is God breathe and it is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness” (2 Tim 3:16). Therefore, whenever I have questions about God or anything in regards to my faith, I go straight to the scriptures. A mega church pastor may say one thing, and another teacher could say something else. Just because something is popular, it doesn’t mean it is always the right way of doing things.
I say all this because people are divided over the way we ought to relate to God. Is Jesus my homie and do I treat Him like just another friend? Or, is the Savior someone I can only know through scriptures and from afar because He doesn’t care to be intimate with a wretch like me.
Let’s take a journey through the Bible and find out how God always made the first move. How much He longs for a personal relationship. Abraham wasn’t always known by that name. This famous patriarch was initially known by the name Abram. He lived in the land of Ur. Scholars have pinpointed this city to be close to Mesopotamia. It was a sea side town and part of the ancient civilization. In Joshua 24: we find out that Abraham’s father was an idol worshiper. So, what is God doing befriending a son of an idol worshiper. God does not care where we come from. He saw that Abram was willing to leave everything behind in order to be called a friend of God. If He wants us, He will call us out of the darkest corners of the world. Peter says that God’s will is for everyone to be saved. Therefore, the Father wants you and I to be His friend. Have you heard Him call you by name yet; and more importantly, have you responded?
Moving forward, we reach the days when Jesus walked the earth. Instead of choosing the sophisticated and knowlegeable Pharisees, the Teacher chose 12 misfits. If you were planning to flip the world upside down and be the most famous person of the day, would you choose Joe Blow who raises watermelons in the country? Or, would you choose the street hustler who will cheat whoever just to make a pretty penny. I wouldn’t, but Jesus would, He saw the potential in every single one of the men He called. The Eminent One built a close relationship with the disciples for over 3 years even though they were nobodies.
Side note, Jesus also saw the value and potential in Judas; it is too bad that this disciple decided to betray his friend.
Thirdly, let’s take a look at Paul. This over-zealous man persecuted Christians and hated the name of Jesus. Paul was actively working against God, doing everything in his power to extinguish the fire of the gospel that was reaching the world beyond Jerusalem. Until one day, when Jesus interrupted Paul’s journey To Damascus. The man was on his way when a blinding light shone, and he heard a voice questioning his actions. When Paul realized that Jesus is God, when the Savior revealed Himself on that road, the zealous Pharisee became a follower of Jesus. Therefore, it doesn’t matter if a person hates God, or even claims to be an atheist who argues with people who believe in God’s existence. Even then, Jesus desires a relationship with His creation. The Master is never too offended by the life of a sinner. The Lord will always pursue a person, no matter how far one tries to run in the opposite direction.
Clearly, God doesn’t care where you come from, what your status is, or if you try to hide from Him. The Father looks at people’s hearts and pursues humanity because He cares for us. As John says “for God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…” (3:16). The Creator sent His only Son to die for us. Is there a greater measure of love? Not only to get us to heaven, but to have a relationship with us here and now. So, let Him be your Father, your friend, your heart’s desire.
