"Hello," My grandfather (pictured) says feebly on the other end of the phone.
“It’s Erin granddaddy.” “Erin? You say you my granddaughter?”
“Yes, your son Chauncey’s daughter, in Memphis.”
“You say, Chancey? In Memphis?”
“Yes, you remember, your oldest son. Granddaddy, It’s me, Erin!!”
Getting someone who should know you to remember you is a workout! If I find this frustrating with my slightly senile grandfather who has the excuse of 92 years on his side, how much more frustrating was it for God when He constantly reminded Israel, His chosen people, who he was? I am not the final authority on this study, but I counted more than 180 instances in scripture where the Lord is almost explaining Himself, like an introduction to the one group of people who should know Him personally, the Israelites. He uses phrases like, “I am the Lord, your God” or “I, the Lord God of Israel.”
I think I would be annoyed if someone I know, I knew, constantly reminded me who they are, where we met, and what good friends we are, every time we talked. Imagine that, “Hey such and such, this is me, blank and blank, we met at the bus stop where we became great friends after I saved your life and pulled you out of oncoming traffic.” What?!
One of my favorite places we see this in scripture is in Isaiah 43. Take some time to read it because this blog will not suffice as a quiet time. But, essentially this is what God says to His people, in my own words, pay close attention to all the descriptive language:
“I God, your Creator, the one that formed you and redeemed you, have called you by name and you are mine. I will be with you when you go through deep and hard things and because I am with you, you will not be overtaken by deep and hard things. Do not be afraid because I, the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior, who brought you out of slavery and give cities in exchange for you, love you, you are precious to me.”
These are extremely personal words for one who has to explain who He is. I confess, I often forget who scripture clearly tells us God is and even who He has proven to be in my personal life. When I get in a mess or when my will seems ignored, as it is often, I easily forget the love of Christ and the sovereignty of His plan. But reading Isaiah 43 is a sobering reminder of how God, in His grace, made a practice of reminding those He loved how much He loved them.
Would it not grieve your heart to have to tell those you sincerely love how much you love them, every single time you talk to them? Would you not wonder when will they stop doubting me? How much do I have to do for them to see?
Here’s the deal, God loves the world deeply, so much so that He allowed the wrath that each of us deserved to be poured out on His son. Through Jesus, He has given us the opportunity of an eternity, knowing God personally! If you know God personally, I challenge you remember who is and His pure love for you, moment by moment. Allow your life to be a constant response to that reality. Man, that’s a process! If you do not know God personally, but want to, check out this link http://darealtruth.com/, and click on Meet God.
