GOD'S STORY OF HIS LOVE

Before God created human beings, He knew that He would sacrifice a lot. God created us as the crown of His creation, for He created us specifically for Himself. We became the object of His ultimate love. With His all-knowing attributes, He knew that we would sin, and that He would have to rescue us from our sins. However, despite all of these, God was determined to create us. He created the angels first to serve His purposes in Heaven, then He created us. Although we were weaker than the angels, we were more special than them, for God created us in His own image. He lifted us up above all His creations, including the angels, the universe, the earth, the plants, and the animals. He gave us the purpose and the meaning of life to worship and serve Him, and He gave us the freedom of choice to do so. Adam and Eve gave us the vivid example of what it looked like to live the purposes of God before they rebelled against God. God commanded Adam and Eve to rule over the animals and take care of the earth while they were enjoying the very presence of God. They lived in perfect harmony with God and with all His creation. 

However, God knew that it would be a matter of time before Adam and Eve would rebel and that death would enter into the world. Sin would pollute the hearts of all mankind and death would reign in all of us. He knew that we would follow our sinful desires instead of living according to His purpose. God, who is satisfied within Himself, could have destroyed all His creation and recreated it, but He didn't do that; instead, He was determined to save us, drinking the cup of suffering, in which He humbled Himself to become a human being, carry the sins of this world, and pay the penalty of our sins with His life on the cross. The God who is holy, sovereign, and the creator of everything would wash away our sins with His own blood because this is how much He loves us. Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." From the time God created us, He never stopped loving us. He continued to pursue us even in our own rebellion to give us a new life. 

For us who genuinely believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are forever secure in Him. Jesus said, "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand" (John 10:28). We are restored, forgiven, and secured in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Why did God create me? What is my purpose and meaning of life according to the God who created me? How can one be restored in God?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for creating me and pursuing me with your love. Although I lost my way, you kept on pursuing me. Thank you for not giving up on me, even sacrificing your Son, Lord Jesus, on the cross for me. I am so glad that I am forever secure in you. As I go through my day today, may you help me to live for your purpose. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.