In order to properly understand our talk
this week we must go back to English class and get a proper understanding of
the word “furious”.
The noun “fury” is commonly associated with
extreme anger; however, in the Oxford Dictionary of Current English the meaning
morphs into “intense energy”.
Intense Energy. I like that.
So what is this love of God all
about?
Why it is intense energy.
We often quote John 3:16
“For God so loved the world
that He gave His
only begotten Son …”
And as we breeze through that one we
glide right past the whole idea of God’s love.
We are on cruise control and sail on by this great truth sometimes.
Let me borrow from Brennan Manning.
“His love
is never, never based on our performance, never conditioned by our moods – or elation
or depression. The furious love of God
knows no shadow of alteration or change.
It is reliable. And always tender.”
~The Furious Longing of God
Can you picture God standing
with arms outstretched in an inviting pose. This is a profoundly accurate concept to hold
onto.
When I take the idea of this picture to
the next level here is what I see.
There are no "keep out" signs. No one is excluded. No race is left out. No visa is needed, and there is no language
requirement.
Who is included in this invitation of the outstretched arms?
-The drunk in the doorway
-The addict smelling of filth, with bad
breath, rotten teeth, and unkempt hair
-The prostitute with a torn blouse,
bruised knees and smeared lipstick
-The church goer who sleeps through every
Sunday sermon
-The self-righteous man who sings in the
choir on Sunday and looks at porn on Monday
-The struggling single mother feeding
three kids and working a less than prime job
-The dishonest business owner
And the rest of us
We are all included in the
invitation. The arms are outstretched
for you and for me.
The love of God embraces all without
exception.
That is astounding news.
The final incredible statement I want to
leave you with is this.
God loves you as you are – not as you
should be.
What have you done?
What are you doing?
How do you smell?
Where have you been?
What is your worst thought?
What is your most lofty idea?
Regardless of the goodness or badness of
your life, God loves you right this moment, as you are.
That is furious love - Intense
energy all for you – and all you have to do is receive it.
Please watch this!
(Use headphones to capture the moment
of awe, worship and revel in God’s love.
My Prayer
for All of Us
God:
Do you really, really love me as I am and
not as I should be? That just seems so
wrong. How could you?
Help me to rise above my pride and accept
your outstretched arms that offer this intense energy we call love.
Thank you God.
P Michael
Biggs
Offering Hope
Encouragement Inspiration
One Word at a Time
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