Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. – 1 Timothy 6:11
God loved humankind since Creation, yet, from early on, man was a faithless friend. The prophet Isaiah shared God’s sentiment, “I spread out my hands all day to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good” (Isaiah 65:2).
God sent His Son to Earth in continuance of His loving pursuit, yet again, His creation refused Him, brutally shoving away His gift. Jesus revealed God’s broken heart, lamenting, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37).
The story of human history is the story of a spurned affection. However, one day that tale will be complete. God will separate those who want nothing to do with His love from those who welcome and cherish His devotion. He will create again, this time a place where His love is celebrated: ”They sang a new song, saying, worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God” (Revelation 5:9-10).
God has pursued you with love to extraordinary lengths. Have you considered what you pursue with that type of passion? Set your sites on Him in return, knowing His love deeper and better. Pray for those in American leadership who have previously rejected God’s fellowship to have their eyes and hearts opened to His love and to choose Him today.
Today’s Verse: 1 Timothy 6:11
But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: John 1:11-16
11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
