The number of life’s moments that I have misunderstood, mishandled, mislabeled, and misdiagnosed along my journey (not to mention in the lives and journeys of others) is so large that it’s embarrassing. About twenty years ago, I had a change of heart that has since saved me time and time again. Awakened to the Two Realms and Two Kingdoms, I’ve learned to slow down. Living slowly offers the invitation to ask questions of God. When an awkward situation arises, I ask, “What is this, God?” And I ask questions of others, “What did you mean when you said that? Could you give me an example of what you mean?” Slowing down doesn’t change the actual speed or busyness of life, but it gives me the ability to call a “time out” or anticipate two steps ahead. When I am living more aware, more oriented, and more engaged in the Larger Story, moments of time can seem to be suspended, even lingering.
At times answers aren’t always obvious. It seems God conceals things from us.
It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.
Proverbs 25:2
There is something revealed about the heart of God in this proverb. Why would God conceal a matter? Why would He play such a seemingly mean trick? God desires to be sought after, and He paints light brushstrokes of this character trait on the canvas of Scripture. (see the verses for this day of the reading plan)
God doesn’t need to be sought after and pursued; He desires to be. Yes, love and intimacy are aimed at an object, the object of His affection. I used to think that God oozed love, and if I could get in its path, I might enjoy some. But now I know I am certain I am the target of His love and He seeks after me constantly. How remarkable. Jesus, The Lion of Judah wants me and is after me? How amazing! This is how we become dangerous for good, being loved by God.
In Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis describes the great love God has for his people and the cost of making it possible:
“The happiness which God designs for His higher creatures is the happiness of being freely, voluntarily united to Him and to each other in an ecstasy of love and delight compared to the most rapturous love between a man and a woman on this earth ... And for that they must be free.”
Love and risk cannot be separated. We set ourselves out there wanting, desiring, and hoping for someone to love us. Guarded, but hopeful. That describes me when I proposed to my wife. I went out on a limb, and took a chance, hoping she would accept my love and offer of marriage. The risk paid off, I did not regret it, and the memory of that moment will last a lifetime.
Now, if God is inviting me into a moment, then I want to step into it —whether He calls me to come with Him to a quiet place or to go with Him on a search and rescue mission. If He is inviting me into a moment to be still, I’m in. Being together is the hope and desire, His and mine, no matter what the outcome might be. Whether the outcome is failure or success. It’s about being with Him. Intimacy can be a dangerous proposition with its invitation to vulnerability and any concerns I might have of being seen and then pushed away. All of us have experienced rejection or betrayal, but that is the opposite of God and His love. God’s love pursues, never rejects. I believe that is why the early disciples became men and women to whom Jesus could entrust his power and authority, equipping his friends to love. That is what dangerous for good is all about, being loved so we can love others.
As you ponder all this with God today, consider asking Him:
Father, I want to make more and more time to pull away and be loved. How, when, and where do you want to meet me
Jesus, thank you for pursuing me and inviting me to move toward you in life-giving ways. What are the ways in which you have been and are now pursuing me? Give me eyes to see and ears to hear how you're pursuing me in worship music, teaching, scripture, solitude, or more.
Spirit, what do you desire to produce in me? To heal within me? To equip and entrust to me to make me dangerous for good?
Scripture:
Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.
1 Chronicles 28:9 (MSG) And you, Solomon my son, get to know well your father’s God; serve him with a whole heart and eager mind, for God examines every heart and sees through every motive. If you seek him, he’ll make sure you find him.
Jeremiah 29:12-13 (MSG) When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. “When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. “Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.
John 4:23 (AMP) A time will come, however, indeed it is already here, when the true (genuine) worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth (reality); for the Father is seeking just such people as these as His worshipers.
Hebrews 11:6 (MSG) It is impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that He cares enough to respond to those who seek him.
