When we hear the word pursue, we sometimes think of it only in romantic terms, such as a man pursuing the woman he wants to marry (or vice versa) :-). But what about God? Does God pursue us? And if so, how does he do that? What does God’s pursuit of us look like?
The Parable of the Lost Sheep in Luke 15:4-6 gives an intimate view of the God who pursues you.
This biblical story of the ninety-nine sheep goes beyond the literal image of the shepherd and the lost sheep to paint a picture of a devoted father in pursuit of his lost child.
The lost sheep is each and every one of us before we enter into relationship with Christ. Though God meant for us to live a life filled with purpose and true fulfillment, this became impossible when sin entered the world.
The Bible teaches us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). On our own we are lost and aimless. We wander around in a desert wasteland trying to find our own way.
We need to be rescued.
The parable of the lost sheep is about God’s pursuit to bring us back into his fold. And this parable shows us how far God goes to bring us back home.
Here we learn four things about how God pursues us.
Tweet ThisGod’s pursuit is personal
No matter how many people there are in the world, God takes personal delight in me. It doesn’t matter if the shepherd still has 99 other sheep. The fact is, his special sheep is missing. And how do I know this? Because each sheep is special to him.
If there was no one else who ever sinned, God would still send his son to die on the cross for me. That’s how deep and personal his love for me is.
God pursues me relentlessly
Does the scripture say that the shepherd goes after the lost sheep and gives up when he doesn’t find it by sundown? No. It says that he goes after the sheep “until he finds it”. God doesn’t give up on us. Even when we give up on ourselves, God’s love is relentless.
No matter how many times or how far you’ve strayed, God pursues you with a faithful love.
God pursues me with a tender love
A similar account of this story in Matthew 18 gives an even more tender glimpse into God’s love. It says that “your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.” This is such an intimate view of God’s tender, loving care for us, his children.
God’s ultimate goal is for each and every one of us to enter into a relationship with Him (1 Timothy 2:4). And He will go to any length to make this happen – including allowing His son to die on the Cross to save me.
Even when I am too busy to spend time with God, He doesn’t remind me of my guilt or sin, He simply loves me and welcomes me back into His presence.
God pursues me joyfully
It’s God’s pleasure to seek me out. He doesn’t consider it to be a chore or even his job. Rather he initiates the search in anticipation of the joy that will result when he finds me. And when he does, His joy cannot be contained. He gladly shares the good news far and wide.
God pursues you relentlessly, tenderly and joyfully. God is so crazy about you that even if you were the only one on the planet He would still run after you. He loves you with an everlasting love, so much so that He gave up His son to pursue you.
God wants you to have a new life in Him. Will you say yes?
Be reminded daily of God’s amazing love for you here.
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What about you?
Are you amazed by God’s passionate pursuit of you? I pray that you are so moved by His great love for you that it motivates you to respond to his advances. No matter what happens, be assured that He will never give up on you.
Do you have a goal to get closer to God and deepen your relationship with Him? He’s ready and waiting! Why not start with this free devotional here.
Wishing you blessings,
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*Lyrics from the hymn There Were Ninety and Nine can be found here.
This was beautiful and it made me smile the whole time I was readying it. It was exactly what I needed to read this evening. God is so intimately involved in our lives and He delights in us. May the Lord bless you!
I’m so glad you enjoyed reading it, Carey. I pray you will always be responsive to God’s pursuit.
Wishing you blessings!
Marva this was lovely, and such a great title too! I’m so thankful for a God that never stops pursuing me. He does it ever so gently, thanks for these encouraging words. It is always a good reminder for me 🙂
Thank you for visiting and leaving such a kind comment, Melissa. Especially as I reflect on the past year, it becomes more apparent the ways God has been pursuing me — ever so gently, just as you said. It just makes me overwhelmed with gratitude.
So loved this post, Marv, that I came back to read it again! Do you know that hymn is one of my favorite of all time? And I think for that very reason – that it displays an intimate portrait of the heart of God. I continue to be amazed at His passionate pursuit. Thanks for a beautiful post.
Thanks for your always encouraging words, Carlie. That song has been replaying itself in my heart this whole time. I’m so grateful for the hope that we have in a Saviour who would move heaven and earth to run after us. What a might God we serve! (And there’s another song for you). 🙂
Love you!
Humbled and thankful for a God who pursues me despite my many shortcomings ♥ Thanks, Marva, for this hope!
Hugs,
Lori
Loved this! So rich and true..the story of my life! Reminds me of The Hound of Heaven poem..God was in my hewks for years and finally scooped me ip.
Thats AMazing Grace..aren’t we blessed!
I often forget about the intimate nature of God. I’m so glad that you wrote this. After I read it yesterday I took some time to just hang with God and be vulnerable about the places in my heart I needed Him more. Thank you, it’s a beautiful post!
Hi Leah, I really appreciate you taking the time to stop by (twice!) and I’m glad it inspired an intimate time between you and God. Thanks for being such an encouragement, my friend. Blessings and sparkles!
What an encouraging word, Marva!
I’m so glad that our God pursues us! What a gift!
I love this picture of God’s tender pursuit of us. Just encourages me so much this evening. I’m praying for you right now, Marva. May the Lord wrap you in His tender care.
Thank you so much, Betsy. I’m so grateful that we have a God who never gives up on us. Wishing you blessings this holiday season, my friend.
Yay! Comments are back!
Great read. Thanks for this.
Thanks, Amy. I’m so glad you stopped by and the comments were actually working. 🙂
Thanks for visiting. It turns out the little comment bots are not being very friendly today. But I promise, I’m very happy you took the time to visit. Hugs and blessings, Marva