Thursday, June 8, 2017

The Great Pursuit
By Elin Henderson

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…”
Psalms 23:6a (NKJV)

Since the beginning of time, there has been a great pursuit going on, one that to this day has never ceased. This great pursuit is that of the God of this universe, actively pursuing mankind. We see this first evidenced in the early chapters of Genesis, when God came down and called to Adam and Eve in the garden, knowing full well they had sinned against Him. He then pursued Cain after he killed his brother, offering a chance for repentance. He pursued Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Saul, David, and the list could go on and on.

The Hebrew word for “follow” according to Strong’s Dictionary(1) is “Radaph” and one of the meanings is “to pursue,” literally to “be on the heels of.” David tells us that surely  His goodness and mercy continually pursue mankind, nipping at their heels saying, “Turn to me, look to me, I am right here!” We can’t escape it, even if we want to.

He pursues us for salvation, and then pursues an intimate relationship with us. This active following never stops as long as we have breath. His pursuit of goodness reminds us of His love and compassion for us; His pursuit of mercy reminds us of His great long-suffering and forgiveness. Together, they bring a package deal of security and strength!  

So, let us always be aware of the pursuit that is constantly taking place in our own lives, and in the lives of those around us. May it impact us every moment of every day. We too are part of “The Great Pursuit” which will be talked about for all of eternity!

GOING DEEPER:      
1.  How have you experienced the “Great Pursuit” either in salvation and/or your daily walk?
2.  How should this awareness of His pursuit of us impact how we react to circumstances and live each day?

FURTHER READING:

         

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa.  Elin is mother to sixteen-year-old Callie and fourteen-year-old Elias.