The Passion of God
This devotional was written by Jim Burns
God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. —Romans 5:8
I've been thinking about passion. No, not the kind of passion that is available on many of the movie screens or the type of passion far too many "Hollywood types" promote. I'm thinking about the kind of passion my surfer friend Rick has for the perfect wave. Up at 4:30 in the morning, he drives to the beach, looking for the best swell of the waves. Out in the water waiting, watching, there it is... ready, steady, take it. Oooh, it was worth the inconvenience of little sleep and cold water.
Personally, I have a passion for Italian food, vacations, my wife Cathy, my girls, walking on the beach, snorkeling, Haagen Dazs, Cookies and Cream ice cream, youth ministry, helping parents, and, hopefully, God. Sometimes I will drive fifteen miles out of the way for a double scoop of Haagen Dazs, or work extra days, weeks, and months to afford a vacation on the beach in Hawaii where I can snorkel. (Have you ever thought about what a funny word snorkel is?) Passion usually involves a deep love and a deep sacrifice for something or someone.
What's your passion? What do you think about during the day and dream about at night? What are you willing to love deeply and love sacrificially?
I wonder for a moment what is the passion of God. Then the answer comes to me. You and I are the passion of God. God has a one-track mind. He loves you. He created you. He gives you life and breath. He brings you new life through the sacrificial death of Jesus.
With His love and His Holy Spirit, He passionately pursues us. Isn't it nice to know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you are loved with the passion of God?
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. —John 3:16
GOING DEEPER:
- When was there a time in your life when you passionately pursued God? When was there a time in your life when you felt like God's passionate love was pursuing you?
- Reread Romans 5:8. Memorize and reflect on it.
Further Reading:
Psalm 100
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