A good friend of mine was recently away from his wife and children for an extended period. He was describing to me the deep ache in his heart, missing his family. That kind of yearning for one’s children and the people we love is a reality of life that many of us know all too well.
I was reading 2 Samuel just that morning, and was struck by this verse:
“The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: ‘O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you — O Absalom, my son, my son!’” — 2 Samuel 18:33
A Paltry Reflection
Do we not receive an insight into the heart of God in the story of David?
What loving father or mother, fallen as we are, would not rather sacrifice ourselves than see harm come to our children? It strikes me that the compassion we feel for our loved ones is but a paltry reflection of that deep, yearning, universe-shaking love with which God loved Jesus, and with which God demonstrates His love for us.
Matthew quotes Isaiah 42:1 in reference to Jesus: “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased.” The Hebrew word behind “well pleased” is ratsah, and means “delights in.”
Though God delights in His beloved Son, His perfect plan from of old for our salvation meant watching Jesus — the faithful and obedient Son He loves beyond measure — trust Him completely, and willingly endure the suffering of the cross, unto death.
Jesus truly demonstrated a trust and hope in a future based on a deep conviction of God’s character and promises, which we are called to emulate. God has indeed done it (Psalm 22) — through Jesus the Messiah King, His Son. And now, God has exalted Jesus to His right hand, and given him the name above every name (Philippians 2).
God loves you so fiercely.
How Fiercely?
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” — Zephaniah 3:17
“The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” — Jeremiah 31:3
“For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you.’” — Isaiah 41:13
If you’ve taken time off from seeking God, and aren’t spending time with him, and have separated yourself from him — God yearns for you. He desires relationship with you. He paved the way by sending Jesus, and by sending the same Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead, who lives in you (Romans 8:11).
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” — James 4:8