Out of all the holidays that exist, Thanksgiving is most special. Not because of the traditional eating of the turkey and all the food - all that is a huge and tasty bonus. It is most special because it promotes something we all should do more than just once a year: give thanks.
There is so much to be thankful for, you know? There is everyday life God gives us, food, water, shelter, clothes, health, family and friends, to name a few.
These are what I consider to be the traditional things we are all thankful for. And usually, in previous Thanksgiving dinners and celebrations, those are the things I most often mentioned and used as an easy way out of really being thankful for something of substance - and by no means am I saying these things are not of substance.
But this Thanksgiving has special meaning to me. Although I will not be spending it with my family or the friends that I care deeply about - friends who have become more than friend, but family - I have found that reason of substance to be extremely grateful for.
Romans 5
"When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." Romans 5:6-8
This is my reason for being extremely thankful. I am thankful that "Christ came at just the right time" - as he always does - to give up his life for my sake. For your sake. I am also thankful that "God showed his great love for [me]". As the verse points out, most people would not be willing to give up their lives for someone who actually deserves it, but for an undeserving person like me, it pleased God to send Jesus to die for me...
So now, I have eternal life! And I did not pay anything for it because God's Son paid that price on my behalf. The crazy thing is that he really didn't have to, because I am a filthy sinner. Yet he did! And I don't have to suffer my due consequence for being a filthy sinner because it pleased God to give Jesus up as a sacrifice.
Why is this important?
"And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God." Romans 5:9-11
This is my reason for great gratitude towards my God.
If you feel thankful for something, I am encouraging you to share your reason for gratitude today by leaving a comment.
May the God who continuously reveals his love, the God who is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and goodness, the God was, is and is to come; may my God pours his blessings on you yesterday, today & tomorrow - always.
Gobble-Gobble!
Enjoy this beautiful song by Kirk Franklin - "My Life, My Love, My All"
I have often found myself like this guy. Some days are just so unbearable and everything and everyone seems to be against me. Those are the most frustrating ones, and if God doesn't have a tight grip on my life, the wrong thoughts could cross my mind - enough said.
I know I am not the only one who feels this way. Yesterday I received a phone call from a friend, and from the sound of her situation, she's not only having a bad day; she's going through a rough period in her life right now; and that's saying it nicely. She called me for a word of encouragement, and thank God, he inspired the words she needed to hear. So I praise God for that!
During our conversation, I realized something very interesting. Up until recently, I too thought the same way; however, when I understood a bit better the type of God I serve, I've been making an effort to change my way of thinking. I am talking about the way we see God in light of our everyday difficulties.
There was a time when I strongly believed that the hardships I went through was because God was punishing me. No matter how hard I tried, no matter what I tried to do, regardless of how good I tried to live, it was never good enough. And all of that frustration, all of the mistakes, all the tough times, were a punishment from God because of my imperfections - and they are many!
So I began to worry, and worry a lot. Ironically, that's when everything around me seemed to be crumbling. Everything was going wrong, you know? Nothing seemed to be going my way. And, dudes, that sucks! It really really sucks. Before you knew it, I found myself caught up in everything else, trying to remain afloat and in control. Trying to get a grip...
Luke 10
"As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord's feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, 'Lord, doesn't it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.' " Luke 10:38-40
So Jesus arrives at Martha's house. He had frequently visited with them before, and for some reason, he became very fond of this family: Martha, Lazarus, and Mary. You could say they were his closest friends, his peoples outside of the Twelve. Because he is such a special guest, Martha, who is a great hostess, wants to celebrate in style the arrival of Jesus into her home.
I wonder what was Jesus' favorite dish..?
Anyway
My study Bible says, "Hospitality was valued highly, and Martha was fulfilling the expected role of a woman. She was frustrated that Mary was not." In other words, Martha was doing what she was expected to do, and there was nothing wrong with that. I'm sure not even Jesus had a problem with that; and neither did Mary. Women were expected to take care of the household affairs, and I assume men were expected to take care of the other affairs - huh, where have I heard that before..?
But I think Martha was a little extra, in the sense that I being hospitable was her gift. I think she was so good at it she was known for her skills in her town. And the fact that it was none other than Jesus himself in her home, she wanted to show off a little bit, feel me? She wanted to make the food extra tasty; she wanted to extend the menu with a few extra appetizers and entrees; she wanted to set the table with extra elegance by using the only-on-special-occasion dining ware - you get the point.
All this extra stuff required extra time and extra help. So if anyone should have been helping it was Mary. So Martha had all her rights to wonder what in the world she was doing just sitting there at Jesus' feet. I mean, that's her sister, and she knows how extra Martha likes to get when she has honorable guest in her home. So her frustration is understandable.
It was impossible for Martha to cook, clear up extra space around the house for more guests, go out in town to get a few extra stuff, and have enough time to get herself ready for this huge dinner. She really needed the extra help. But Mary was not budging. Regardless of her sister's grunting and sighing and whatever else she might have been doing, Mary sat at the feet of Jesus as a dog sits at the feet of its owner.
After making many deliberate attempts to catch Mary's attention - or Jesus' - Martha finally reached that boiling point and exploded, "Lord, doesn't it seem unfair that I'm doing all the work and my sister is just sitting there? The guests are almost here and I'm not even half way done yet. There's still so much I have to do; can you tell her something, please?!"
"But the Lord said to her, 'My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.' " Luke 10:41-42
No need to be in Martha's head to know what she was thinking: ...Huh?
What was Jesus really telling Martha? Was he implying that he did not want a huge dinner? Was he indirectly telling Martha that she'd wasted her time and energy for no reason?
Not at all.
Martha did not understand two things; and one of them may not have been her fault. You see, someone forgot to tell Martha that the Jesus in her home, is the same Jesus who, in Chapter 9, fed five thousand people with two fish and five loaves of bead. So in the worst case, if the food was not prepared, he certainly could have said a few words and everyone would have eaten more than enough.
Jesus points out that Martha was "worried and upset over all these details". She allowed all the ins and outs and the most insignificantly minute and worthless details of a simple dinner get her all worked up. I mean, Jesus was in her home! And she didn't spend one second talking to him, listening to him, as her sister Mary was doing.
How often do we find ourselves like that guy in the picture because we're so "worried and upset over all these details"? Most people say they believe in God, but what's the purpose of believing in God if they don't believe in what God is able and willing to do?
"Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, 'That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life - whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. they don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can't accomplish a little thing like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?
"Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you ave so little faith? And don't be concerned about what to eat or what to drink. Don't worry abut such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs." Luke 12:22-30
"Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you." Psalms 91:7
Check out Jesus' powerful question: "Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? [The answer is, "No.."] And if worry can't accomplish a little thing like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?"
Please tell me someone caught that!
"...And if worry can't accomplish a little thing like that..." What in the world is Jesus talking about? The thing is, he's just showing off in order to drive home that even the things we consider to be impossible and most difficult, these things are stupid in comparison to "adding a single moment to our lives". What power!
This is what Mary understood: "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need." Luke 12:31
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." John 14:6
This is what he wants us to know: "So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom." Luke 12:32
Dudes & Dudettes, we already have everything we need in Jesus. Nothing else matters. Am I saying that we shouldn't worry about work and a family and all that other stuff? Not at all! These things are important. However, never allow these things to dominate our minds and our lives.
Whenever we go through rough times, check out what Paul says:
"Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it meant no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?... No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow - not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below - indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-39
Have you ever found yourself like that guy in the picture? I will suggest you divert your eyes and fix them upon Jesus.
Enjoy "God Of Wonders" by Third Day Once again, I might have already used this song, but, once again, it's my blog! LOL
"Faith is the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
Yesterday I stated that faith leads you to do the boldest, most craziest things ever, as in the case of the immoral woman. And what I said yesterday I still retain today, because it is very true. When one has faith, that true faith, such things as societal norms, other people's perceptions and opinions, economic background, all that junk that some of us consider important, do not matter. What does matter is achieving that which is being sought after by faith. And that's sexy!
Now check out this story, which I think is another of the most beautiful accounts of pure and genuine faith in the Bible; you know, the faith as small as a mustard seed...
"Jesus got into the boat again and went back to the other side of the lake, where a large crowd gathered around him on the shore. Then a leader of the local synagogue, whose name was Jairus, arrived. When he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet, pleading fervently with him. "My little daughter is dying," he said. "Please come and lay your hands on her; heal her so she can live." Mark 5:21-23
Just another typical day in the life of Jesus. Just the usual: a boat trip here, a crowd of people there, a few miracles here and there; while always preaching the Good News of God's Kingdom. Anyway, by the sound of things, this Jairus guy was really hurting. I mean, his lil' one was dying!
As compassionate as always, I'm sure Jesus felt moved by this guy's tears and truly wanted to help him by healing his little girl; so he agreed to go to his house and lay his hand on her so she could live.
Something interesting just jumped out at me; I'll explain it shortly.
Earlier that morning...
"What do you mean there is nothing you can do? Are you not a specialist? Are you not the specialist?! You said you could heal me; you promised it! What am I to do now? Who am I supposed to turn to? I don't wanna die! There must be something, some alternative you have not yet considered."
"I am terribly sorry, but there is nothing else I can do. In all of my years of experience, I have never come across a case as complicated as yours. I truly am sorry; terribly sorry.."
"Doctor, I know I have no more money to offer you, but you are my only hope. It's been twelve years; do you understand that? Twelve years of seeing my body and health wither. I will find more money, if that's the problem-"
"It is not about the money! Look, I'm sorry to say, but the only thing that can save you right now is a miracle from God himself. As for me, my hands are tied. I am terribly sorry, but I must go now."
The door shut close and she was left alone. She had just given the doctor he last couple of hundred dollars just to hear him say "his hands are tied". Shame. To make matters worse, not only had she been slowly dying for twelve years, now she's as broke as a bad joke!
No money.
No health.
No hope.
"...the only thing that can save you right now is a miracle from God himself." She found herself repeating these words in her head over and over again. She tried focusing on her situation and not some stupid thing the doctor said, but there was something in those words that she couldn't quite figure out.
I mean, for twelve years she'd been seeing this doctor. For twelve years she'd put his faith in his abilities and resume and reputation, believing that, if anyone, he could certainly heal her. Twelve years. By then, the relationship was not simply that of a doctor and a patient; they'd become friends. He was her link to the outside world - because being a woman, I doubt she wanted to go out in public with her little blood problem; I'll leave it as that. He was the one who kept her informed, up to date. He was her hope, everything she had left.
Then the door closed.
Fortunately for her, although she placed most of her faith on this doctor, she still had enough faith reserved in this guy she'd heard people talk about; this guy, Jesus. The majority of her faith was gone, to be sincere. But what she had left was just enough, as big as it could possibly be for someone in her situation: as small as a mustard seed, to be exact.
But where was she going to find him?
What are the odds that he'd be in her town now that she needs him the most? She thought to herself, "I don't know what I'm doing, but I must see him!" ...And God is good!
In present time...
"A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding. She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse. She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd..." Mark 5:25-27
"What the heck?!" Someone shouted in anger and disgust. "Eww man! Someone's blood is all over the floor and it's getting on people's robes!" Another noticed. Little by little people began noticing that something was not right and someone was straight up trippin'. Immediately, the people knew who was amongst them; it's not like the town don't talk. Everyone knew about 'the lady' with 'the issue'.
Now check this out:
"If a woman has a flow of blood for many days that is unrelated to her menstrual period, or if the blood continues beyond the normal period, she is ceremonially unclean. As during her menstrual period, the woman will be unclean as long as the discharge continues. Any bed she lies on and any object she sits on during that time will be unclean, just as during her normal menstrual period. If any of you touch these things, you will be ceremonially unclean. You must wash your clothes and bathe yourself in water, and you will remain unclean until evening." Leviticus 15:25-27
Simply put, this woman was unclean for twelve years! And it's not like she didn't know that. Although I'm sure she didn't go out much, everyone made her know that she was unclean. You don't need to go out to know the things people say about you. And secluded in her some somewhere, I can almost guarantee she knew everything that was being said and who were the ones saying it. Shame.
Yet none of that mattered. She didn't know how, but she found herself out in public, maybe for the first time in twelve years. She didn't know how, but all of a sudden people began moving aside and letting her through. Were they being nice? Had she said out loud her motives and people were trying to help?
NO!
They were moving aside because no one wanted to touch her or be touched by her, or else they'd be ceremonially unclean!
Yet none of that mattered. She didn't know how but all of a sudden she found herself a few feet away from Jesus. She didn't know what to do or what she was going to do. But she just knew, that something extraordinary was about to happen. I'll take a risk in saying that not even Jesus knew what was going to happen; don't quote me on that one.
"I don't need him to touch me," she thought. "If I could only touch him, I know I'll be healed. If I could only touch anything on him..."
The moment of truth: it is now or never. There was so much going on around her and in her mind. She had the worse possible combination of confusion and fear. Never doubt. Always faith. Then it happened; almost a magical effect (almost because Jesus' healing does not happen by magic, but power!), "...and [the woman] touched his robe. For she thought to herself, 'If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.' " Mark 5:27,28
Amazing!
Faith leads you to do the boldest, most craziest things ever, and if that isn't bold, then I don't know what is.
What happens next is extraordinary.
"Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition. Jesus realized at once that healing power had gone out from him, so he turned around in the crowd and asked, 'Who touched my robe?' His disciples said to him, 'Look at this crowd pressing around you. How can you ask, 'Who touched me?' " Mark 5:29-31
"But Jesus said, 'Someone has deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.' " Luke 8:46
"But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the frightened woman, trembling at the realization of what had happened to her, came and fell to her knees in front of him and told him what she had done. And he said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.' " Mark 5:32-34
Even we can surprise Jesus if we have faith. Check out his question: 'who touched me?' 'Someone has deliberately touched me'. He knows the touch of faith, because healing power goes out from him when we touch him with faith.
Now this is what jumped out at me earlier: Jairus said, "Please come and lay your hands on her; heal her so she can live." Mark 5:23. In no way am I saying that Jairus did not have faith in Jesus, so please do not misunderstand me.
What I want to point out though is the fact that he requested that Jesus physically perform the miracle he was looking for. He needed Jesus to physically place his hands on his daughter "so she can live".
So I wonder, had Jesus told him to go in peace and that his daughter had already been healed, would he believe? In contrast, the woman did not need Jesus to touch her; instead, she wanted to be the one to initiate the physical contact. She didn't need to touch a physical part of Jesus, but simply anything attached to him. Her faith led her to believe something that I'm not quite sure Jairus understood.
Still, what a beautiful account of faith. 2 women: the immoral and the unclean. Both broke rules, disregarded public opinion and criticism, all for the sake of achieving that which they were seeking through faith.
Look, I know Abraham is called the Father of faith, but I want to have the faith these ladies had - meshed with the one Abraham had, of course...
I wonder what I could move with that type of faith. . . . . ?
Enjoy this beautiful song by Chris Tomlin, "Whisper My Name" I may have put this up already, but who cares, it's my blog!
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."Hebrews 11:1
After spending some time in personal study not too long ago, I remember talking to a friend and telling her that "faith leads you to do the boldest, most craziest things ever".
Think about that..: Faith leads you to do the boldest, most craziest things ever. It's crazy Jesus said that if we had "faith as small as a mustard seed" we could command something to happen and it will happen [Luke 17:6]. So I went ahead and GOOGLE'd "a mustard seed" and boy! these babies are tiny!
So, I said to myself, "...the people Jesus was talking to must not have had any faith at all!" I mean, if Jesus made reference to the smallest seed and suggested they have at least that much faith, these dudes were in bad shape! But that's not the point of this entry - thank God!
This is probably one of my new favorite Bible stories; talk about an act of faith!
"One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat. When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them." Luke 7:36-38.
Without having to go any deeper into these verses, this story is already an incredible one. I mean, here is this immoral woman interacting with the most moral person to grace this world. This just reinforces one thing: God is not interested in how I go to him as long as I go to him.
In other words, "The Lord doesn’t see things the way you [we] see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7
So there she is, jar of expensive perfume in her hand. She sneaks into this guy's house with one goal in mind: locate Jesus. She was determined, and by her successive actions, it's obvious that there was no turning back.
But, why was it so necessary for her to locate Jesus? Better yet, what in the world was she crying about?
Could it be she was crying because women are naturally overemotional...?
Just joking. I cry in certain types of movies...
But really, why was she crying? What lead to her tears? Were they tears of joy? Pain? Embarrassment? Shock? Fear? Repentance? Acknowledgment? Recognition?... or something just in the spur of the moment; you know, the 'just because' tears?
IMMORAL: violating moral principles; not conforming to the patterns of conduct usually accepted or established as consistent with principles of personal and social ethics.
Referring to condition, applies to one hopelessly, and usually passively, sunk in wickedness and unrestrained appetites.
Referring to character, applies to one who voluntarily seeks evil and viciousness.
That's what Dictionary.com says.
That's the type of chick my Jesus allowed to intimately interact with him.
"When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, 'If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!' " Luke 7:39
I'm pretty sure this Pharisee already knew that "we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23. Therefore, we are all sinners - duh! So why be captain obvious? Maybe because he knew her in ways some of the people in his house did not. . ?
I'm not even gonna go there.
I can imagine that just to not be contaminated by this woman's immorality, the nearby guests avoided staying close to her and most likely relocated; leaving in the spotlight the woman and Jesus. And she didn't care. Neither did He. And she was happy. So was He. And she worshiped with tears. And He liked those tears.
So she takes her jar of expensive perfume and lavishes it on Jesus' feet. With tears and perfume she offered one of the most, if not the most, beautiful acts of worship - I think - recorded in the Bible. We know this immoral woman: Marry Magdalene; and we know her history.
Who gave this prostitute the right to be among scholarly men? These were not just regular guests at the home of the Pharisee; we're talking about dudes with high stature and even higher titles. Scholarly dudes, men who walk around with their noses up in the air - just to breathe better, I'm sure. These were guys people had to make way for when they were coming around. The type of dudes you wanted to know just so you could say "yeah, I know that guy". High class and even higher maintenance type guys, you know?
So who the heck gave this prostitute, this immoral woman, this piece of societal trash, this piece of trash, this nobody, this waste of a woman the rights to hang with this crowd? Who the heck invited her in, anyway?!
I would not be surprised if one of the men present actually said these words out loud. I'm almost positive several thought it. But that still did not stop this immoral woman: she was grateful, grateful that her Jesus already forgave her sins.
While everyone was tripping about what they were witnessing, Jesus broke it down to them - because, I believe, he knew the heart of the woman and what she was truly after. "I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love." Luke 7:47.
Check out Jesus' words: "her sins...have been forgiven". This implies that her actions are a product of having already received that which she was looking for, right?
But when did Jesus tell her that her sins were forgiven?
He hasn't said it yet! So why is Jesus use these words?
Because "Faith is the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
The woman, by faith, knew that her sins would be forgiven. I'll take it a few steps further: she knew they were already forgiven. By that same faith, she already felt the power of Jesus' acceptance and forgiveness. Her faith was so strong that she was moved to do the things she did.
Who cares if she was immoral? Who cares if she was a prostitute? Who cares if she wasn't invited?
She certainly didn't!
If I ever get the chance to meet her I'd ask her why she did it, and I can imagine her saying, "There was no way that someone as lowly as me could have ever found someone who truly loved me, until I found Jesus!"
Now check this:
"Then Jesus said to the woman, 'Your sins are forgiven.' " Luke 7:48
Incredible!
To put the cherry on the cake:
"And Jesus said to the woman, 'Your faith has saved you; go in peace.' " Luke 7:50.
Can you imagine what Jesus would have told her if everything she did was just an act...?
Faith leads you to do the boldest, most craziest things ever!
Enjoy this song by Philips, Craig & Dean - "Amazing Love (You Are My King)"
There is not a Bible story that does not, in one way or another, point to God's love for humanity; in other words, me and you. Everything in this wonderful book reflects a piece of God's character - and we know that God is love so his character is one of love.
Maybe one of the most known verses to both believers and unbelievers is John 3:16 which states: "For God so loved the world..." The rest can be recited mechanically.
But, why does God love me so much? Have you ever asked that question? In a way I cannot put into words, it bothers me a little that God loves me so much; just because.
Is it because I deserve it? No! I am a sinner and what I deserve is death [Romans 6:23]
Is it because I am good? Not even close!
"The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race;
he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God. But no, all have turned away;all have become corrupt. No one does good, not a single one!" Psalms 54:2,3
So why does God love me so much?
"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
Incredible! God - the Creator of everything created; the Past, Present, and Future; the Alpha and Omega; the Great I AM; YAHWEH himself - loves me - a sinner; dust; a vagabond; slave to sin - so much that Jesus - the Beautiful Savior; the Lamb of God; the Way, Truth, and Life; the Light of the world; the Bread of Life & Fountain of Living Water; the Redeemer; the Messiah; the one who dwelt in God's own bosom - was not too big of a sacrifice for my sake; for your sake..
But why?
In order to find a possible answer to this lingering question, we need a throwback to the yestertimes. And, by the way, there is no way a truly satisfying answer to this question can be found - but I'll try my best.
Throwback
"So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." Genesis 1:27
What a privilege to be created in the image of God!.. and not of a monkey Therefore, because God is a perfect God and Genesis says we were created in his own image, that means in the beginning, we were perfect creatures!
Not only were we perfect, but even though the rest of creation was not made "in his own image", everything made by God was still perfect and good! Try to imagine that: everything we consider a masterpiece of nature today, was originally infinitely better. That's sexy!
So everything created was perfect, good, free. Until that moment happened.
By sinning, Satan placed chains around this planet and called it captive. You see, we became prisoners of sin - and unfortunately, some of us are still prisoners today. But God is good! That perfect and good nature we originally possessed was forever trapped behind an endlessly long and wide and deep wall of sin. But God is good!
Check it
"The man and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame." Genesis 2:25
They felt no shame because they were constantly in the presence of God, clothed in his light. Remember that Adam and Eve were able to see God face to face without any consequences prior to their sinning. And God's face shines and radiates with glory! So I am pretty sure that the couple were continuously covered with the light that shone from God's face.
As a side note: you'll never have shame in your game
as long as you're in God's presence. So if there is shame in your game: check yourself & your location, 'cuz most
likely you're not in God's presence.
But just in case you're not buying my 'clothed in light' thing, check out Moses in Exodus 34.
"When Moses came down Mount Sinai carrying the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, he wasn’t aware that his face had become radiant because he had spoken to the Lord. So when Aaron and the people of Israel saw the radiance of Moses’ face, they were afraid to come near him." Exodus 34:29,30
Once A & E sinned, "At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness." Genesis 3:7
Because of their recent disconnection from God, the couple were no longer able to see God face to face; God's glory could no longer cover their physical bodies. Instead, as we all know, other means were provided in order to hide the couple's nakedness. Likewise, our perfect and good nature was shattered as soon as sin entered God's perfect and good world.
Satan thought he won... but poor dude, he will never understand that he is nothing but a creature [not created in the image of God as you and I are - ha!] and that he can never be or beat the CREATOR! You see, he thought his perfect plan worked; but he failed to realize that, even then, God had already previously laid out a Most Perfect Plan.
How is this answering the primary question?
Now roll with me on this one: just as A & E desired to be with God after their fall, I believe that God desired to be with them even more! Adam's soul desired to be one with that of his creator again, I'm sure. I can imagine him going off in the distance by himself, thinking about the look of happiness and pride and approval in God's face as he revealed to him the names he had chosen for each animal. I'm sure Adam thought of the times he and God walked alone, side by side, talking about everything and nothing at all.
Most importantly, I can imagine God as depressed as they come, wishing he could simply undo everything just to be with Adam and Eve - even for just one last moment. Maybe he thought, "...after all, I AM! And I can do whatever I want simply because I AM! But, I won't..." I am positive that it burned him [and still burns him today] not being able to commune with those created in his own image. Indeed, it hurt him even more seeing his own reflection corrupted and enslaved by sin. . .
Did you catch that?
Enter Jesus.
The Creator simply had to feel, for himself, the effects of sin in full force. He was not and could not be content with just sitting up above, watching his fallen creation suffer and rot and wither under the influences of sin. Solution? He turned himself into one of us.
Cool...
Wait, what?!
God subjected himself to the full force of sin, for my sake? Indeed! In the form of Jesus.
"In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created,and his life brought light to everyone... So the Word became humanand made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son." John 1:1-4; 14
This is unimaginable!
So when Jesus died on the cross for humanity's sake, them chains what's-his-face put around God's perfect and good creation were pulverized! God is good! - we - I am - no longer subject to follow the demands of sin, because Jesus overcame sin! What does this mean?
"But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you lifebecause you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Therefore, dear brothers and sisters,you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do." Romans 8:9-12
Still don't get it?
Through Jesus' death, God is able to see his reflection - in me; in you - a bit more clearly. All the disfiguration caused by sin, all the filth, all the ugliness, God is now able to see past it all because, (Glory be to God!) he lived through it and overcame it in Jesus! Because he personally - I said, personally - know the full effect, the full force, the full power of the disease called sin, he offers me his love, which is ultimately himself (for God is love) as a remedy, as a cure. God's love is the shield which protects me from the further damages of sin.
The more imperfect I am, the more imperfections I own, the more God is drawn to me and longs to restore me into his good and perfect creation. Without God's love, we would be even more destroyed by sin. That does not mean, however, that I have to keep sinning so that God can be closer to me [Romans 6].
Therefore, because of Jesus' sacrifice, there is absolutely nothing that can deny me - us - the love of God. No wonder Paul said,
"What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.
Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, 'For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep') No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
Here is the part that melts my heart
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:31-39
Enjoy this beautiful song by one of my favorite artists Philips, Craig & Dean - "What Kind Of Love Is This"
