Chosen, Clean, and Clothed

GOD PURSUES
God not only sees and knows, but He also pursues us. He initiates and actively engages with us. Read Ezekiel 16:8-13. As you read, notice the repetition of the word “I.” (Remember from Ezekiel 16:1 that “I” refers to God Himself).

LIST THE VERBS DESCRIBING GOD’S ACTIONS.



Most women relish a good romance. We look forward to watching or reading a captivating love story. We are enthralled by the specific ways a man pursues a woman and demonstrates his love. Whether we admit it or not, one of the main reasons we enjoy such stories is that in our heart of hearts, we want to be pursued. We desire a love that runs after us no matter the cost – a love that is not deterred by conflict, misunderstanding, separation, or any other obstacle. Active pursuit always plays an essential role in every compelling love story.
In Genesis 3, when Adam and Eve sinned, they became aware of their nakedness and hid. When God comes on the scene, His first question is: “Where are you?” Does He truly not know where they are or what they have done? No. The question is actually an invitation to come out of hiding. They have messed up big time, but God, knowing what they have done, does not berate, accuse, or condemn them. He comes. He pursues. He initiates, calling them out of hiding and out of their shame. He replaces their inadequate fig leaves for the sacrificial covering of animal skins.
Ezekiel 16, along with the message of the entire Bible, reveals that our God pursues us with a relentless, personal, purposeful, and unmatched love. He is the continuous, quintessential initiator. One verse clearly states: “We love Him because He first loved us” (I John 4:19 KJV).
Take a minute and reflect on each word. Let the truth of this verse sink in…
● He first loved me. He, the God of the universe, my Creator, the self-sufficient One, the I AM, the Sustainer of all life first loved me.
● He first loved me. I did not initiate the relationship with Him; He acted first. He pursued me even before I thought about Him.
● He first loved me. He has great affection, devotion, and passion for me, and He is committed to my good.
● He first loved me. Me, individually, fully known, personally. Me!
The story in John 4 is not only about being seen/known, but also about being pursued. It is a very clear demonstration of Jesus crossing all social and cultural boundaries in His quest for an individual woman. In case you are not aware of the shocking nature of Jesus’ actions, let’s look at them considering the cultural context. John 4:4 says Jesus had to pass through Samaria.
In the culture of that day, His actions would have been scandalous for a Jew. Jews did not associate with Samaritans, and devalued all women, considering them to be inferior to men. A Jew would not allow himself to be seen drinking with a non-Jew, much less ask for a drink. This woman, considered an outcast by the Jews, was also excluded and deemed unworthy by her own community (the Samaritans) as evidenced by the time of day she drew water from the well (John 4:6). She was exiled by both groups.
It says, “He had to pass through.” He could have chosen another route, but He did not. He wanted to connect with her. He initiated the conversation, and even though she tried to disengage, Jesus intentionally kept pursuing her regardless of her objections (John 4:9). Jesus asks her to do something for Him (John 4:7), and then He offers something to her (John 4:10).
Eventually Jesus gets very specific and exposes the shame in this woman’s life (John 4:17,18). But this exposure does not include rejection, abandonment, or judgment. She quickly tries to divert Him from her shameful reality, but Jesus is not deterred. He invites her to respond to Him. Jesus sees, knows, initiates, and pursues her, offering acceptance, inclusion, and forgiveness.
Jesus is the hero in the grandest love story of all. He is our Great Pursuer. He will not be put off, even if we distance ourselves or try to disqualify ourselves, because we believe we are not worthy.

WHEN DOES HE BEGIN TO PURSUE US? DOES HE REQUIRE US TO FIRST CLEAN UP OUR LIVES AND GET OUR ACT TOGETHER?
● ROMANS 5:8 (ONE PARAPHRASE: “I LOVE YOU AT YOUR DARKEST”)

● EPHESIANS 2:5

● I PETER 3:18

REFLECT ON ALL THE VERSES IN DAYS 3 AND 4. DESCRIBE THE HEART OF OUR GOD WHO SEES, KNOWS AND PURSUES. DO YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE IN LIGHT OF THAT REALITY? IF NOT, WHY NOT?