Pursuit

Have you ever been in love? Think back on that initial moment when you knew this relationship was different. It’s alright. Give yourself permission to get sappy for a moment. I knew in February of 1995 that my girlfriend, Hilary, would one day be my wife. I knew then that this relationship was unique and that God was weaving our lives together.

When we exchanged vows in November of 1996, we were forever bound in a covenant relationship with one another. I can honestly say that my love for her has grown and matured through joy and pain over these years. For this relationship to grow, it has required a mutual commitment to continually pursue one another.

We still send each other sappy text messages, or exchange gifts, or experience a dinner date (but I must confess not as often as we should). Today’s blog really is not about marriage, although I encourage you to continually pursue your mate. That being said, our earthly marriage is a biblically supported symbol of the relationship between Jesus and the Church, His bride.

1 Peter 2:4 begins with a significant challenge when it reads, “As you come…” This language and verb tense is a reminder for Jesus’ bride to continually come to Him. Purse Him. Chase Him.

In a similar fashion as I mentioned in my relationship with my wife, we as Jesus’ bride must continually and faithfully pursue Him by careful study of Word. We must continually align our conduct with His character. We must continually walk in unity as one race and one priesthood.

Imagine the impact one our world and the blessings for us individually when we live in continual pursuit of our love relationship with Christ. So much division that we see in our world would dissipate once the diverse landscape of Jesus’ church was seen to be walking in unison. Imagine the power that would be on display.

Imagine the energy that would be experienced in our worship gatherings if each individual represented in the body of believers has been chasing after Him through consuming Scripture already. I’d expect our worship would change and our preaching would even change.

Most of us have a tangible and relatable experience of love in our marriage and dating experiences. Allow your personal experience of pursuing another human to translate into a committed pursuit of a walk with God. He loves us. We love Him. Now let’s show it by our actions!