Just as I Am!

As mere men we place requirements on who we choose to love and those we reject. While Jesus commands us to love one another, we have to admit that is an arduous task. We tend to love those with whom we can relate to.

God created man to be holy. He placed man in the garden where he would be protected and not subject to temptation. Satan deceived man into disobeying God and sin entered the world. What God had created for his pleasure was no longer viable due to sin. Man had to be cast out.

God continued to love man and established a path of redemption. This path was played out over thousands of years. He would make covenants with man, however, due to man’s sinful nature he was unable to adhere to the requirements.

The book of Hosea is a depiction of God’s love for his creation. Hosea was directed by God to marry a prostitute, Gomer. Gomer would be unfaithful to Hosea just as Israel, God’s chosen people, would be unfaithful in serving God practicing idolatry and all manner of wickedness.

As Gomer would find herself in challenges, Hosea would come to her rescue. This became a pattern for her life. Just as the Israelites followed a similar pattern. Israel’s passion for wickedness could not be quenched. Gomer became so destitute and unwanted she found herself on the auction block with no one willing to bid. Hosea continued to love her and honor her as his wife.

When no one would redeem her, Hosea, paid the price and brought her home once again to be his wife. When Israel was destitute and in bondage, God in his mercy provided a plan of redemption. Romans 5:8 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:17

God not only opened the door for the Israelites to receive redemption, he opened the door that ALL might be saved. Hosea was a notable example of unconditional love towards Gomer. In all her wickedness and sexual immorality, he continued to love her and restored her as his wife.

In the midst of man’s disobedience and wickedness, God sent his son to die that All might be saved. He had no prerequisites for man to be saved. Just as we are, no matter the sin, Christ has extended forgiveness and eternal life to ALL who will believe and call on his name.

The roof of a church will never fall in on a sinner, in fact, the doors actually open wider with God’s love and acceptance. You will never be too far gone for God. As long as you have one more breath in your body he will hear your cry and respond.