Thoughts for another day

August 9, 2012.

Today's verse: Jer. 31:3. The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. (KJV)

(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

One of the most striking and deeply touching images I have of the Lord and the story around it, as someone says it is, " 'Then Jesus said, this is how much I love you.'  He opened His arms on the cross and He died for you."  How deeply the Lord loves us, how passionate His yearning that when it came to die a repulsive and ignominious death on the Cross, He didn't hesitate even a moment.   It was as if He willed to die this death which He had reserved for Himself and at no time did He ever back out although He had the opportunity.  This is the proof of His everlasting love for us which angels never understand and man rarely comprehends.

Therefore, when I look at our above Scripture where our Father makes this wonderful statement, I can't help but think of the immensity of His love which He bestows on us of which He also says, 'therefore with lovingkindness, I have drawn you to Myself…'  We're so worthless, despicable and so gross before our dear Father.  We offend His goodness so much that His heart is torn by our wanton sin; yet His love stays with us and St John says, 'Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God:' Think of this my friend, what manner of love is this that our God gives us Himself as, our Father.

I note when I read the episode where God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac.  Abraham obeys and then God stays His hand; but when it came to His only begotten Son, the co-Owner of heaven and earth, He never stepped back but gave Jesus up so we could be with Him to enjoy eternal bliss.  Through this we know how much His heart aches for us and His voice beckons to us to 'Come and be with Him.'  Today, if in some corner of our hearts if His voice rings a chord, let us rise and go to Him our God and Father and say sorry.  He will lift us up and keep us in the palm of His hand and with great love He will joy over us and make us His own.