I think all of us want to know we are loved. Even when we may not feel the love we want to know that at least someone really loves us – no matter what. The best feeling is when you know you are loved unconditionally. In the Scriptures* this kind of love finds it’s origin and example in God. Then, we get to see it fleshed out in the life of Jesus.
In John 10, Jesus expresses his care and love for us using the example of a good shepherd and the sheep for whom he cares. Jesus talks of a relationship so close that the sheep actually recognize the shepherd’s voice. Jesus is a trustworthy shepherd. It’s good for the sheep (us) to follow him and he protects our soul by hiding us in the hand of his father – God. By the way – no one can snatch us out of the Father’s hand. Plus, Jesus is so committed to our well being that he’s willing to lay down his life for us. Now that’s a picture of love.
As the Apostle Paul lays out his argument about the type of love relationship we can have with God, he clearly states that this relationship does not move our life to easy street. As a matter of fact he mentions quite a list of difficulties. He does this by posing this question; “Does it mean God no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death.?” Not only is his answer, no; he goes on to say that overwhelming victory is ours.
Paul believes this love is so secure that he goes the extra mile to state, “Nothing can separate us from the love of God. Neither death or life, neither angels or demons, neither our fears for today or our worries about tomorrow – not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” That’s quite a statement.
This love is secure, permanent, enduring and unconditional. This is the best kind of love and is available to all. Whether or not you see this as a life of love really boils down to a these two questions.
- Do you want God to make everything perfect and easy by immediately rescuing you every time there is trouble in your life?
- Is it enough for you to know that no matter how hard and dark the circumstance, God is with you and won’t leave or forsake you?
*Scriptures are from John 10:11-30 & Romans 8:31-39
Sunday Songs
The Deep, Deep Love of God- Audrey Assad
Your Love, Oh Lord – Third Day
CornerstoneOC 