The Ever-Seeking Lover
Christ gave us since creation an illustration of His Love for His people in the institution of marriage. It was “not good” that the man be alone, so from man He formed woman, and at Adam’s approval, He said to them, “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” (Gen. 2:24).
God’s composition for human relationships parallels His own divine composition for relationship, both within Himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and with us, His creation. God made us because He desired true and honest relationship with free-thinking, self-determining entities who individually chose such relationship.
The Westminster Shorter Catechism describes it this way, “What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God, [Ps. 86:9; Isa. 60:21; Rom. 11:36; 1 Cor. 6:20; 10:31; Rev. 4:11] and to enjoy him for ever. [Ps. 16:5-11; 144:15; Isa. 12:2; Luke 2:10; Phil. 4:4; Rev. 21:3-4].” We were made for this. Or as Augustine summarizes, “Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee.” — Saint Augustine of Hippo, Confessions
Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians is indeed God’s desire for all people’s — for all who will receive Him, and believe in His Name (see John 1:12). He prays,
“…that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Eph. 3:17-19).
Can you hear Browning resounding in the heart of God? “How do I love thee, let me count the ways…” This is the context for our faith. God desires His Bride, the Church as a man desires union with his wife. He seeks only her good, and desires that she seek him likewise.
We were made for this, but have forgotten. Without Him we are restless, we find no purpose. But God has not forgot us! He seeks us out… He seeks you out… even now… even today.
Press on…
To hear Pastor Andrew’s Sunday message, go to the Facebook page of Lincoln Baptist Church, or link to the livestream from the church website.
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