“The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.”
A few weeks ago I was talking with a college student who had a few questions about theology and a certain theological stance that is held by a few of his friends. This college student said that his friend didn’t believe that God would wait around for humanity to return to God. His friend said, “I can’t believe in a God who is sitting in a box in heaven hoping that humans would choose him.” For this student, God doesn’t need humans, so why would God sit around infatuated with the idea of His created beings potentially choosing Him as a prom date.
This student is missing two keys in a theology of salvation. First, God isn’t sitting in a box waiting for someone to find the way on his own – God sent Jesus on a rescue mission to seek and save humanity (Luke 19:10). Jesus did not sit on the edge of Heave hoping that people would get their act together. Philippians 2:7 says, “Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity…” Jesus came down to Earth so bring people into the presence of God. Now the Holy Spirit is actively pursuing humanity so that they might experience the grace of Jesus. God is not sitting passively. He is actively purusing humanity.
Secondly, God is hoping that humanity will choose salvation. 2 Peter 3:9 tells us “The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). God hopes that we will choose him but it isn’t not for his sake but for ours. God doesn’t need humanity, humanity needs God! And God, who is love perfected, is waving the banner and sounding the alarm for the sake of humanity – not to boost His ego.
That is unconditional love. That is compassion. Jesus gave it all to restore the dust that we are.
He hopes we submit to him for our benefit not for His. God doesn’t need me – He knows that I need Him, and He desires that I will remember that everyday.
Live It:
- Have you placed your faith and trust in Jesus?
- What emotions well up inside of you when you realize Jesus pursues you because you need Him, not because He needs you?
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Chase Snyder
Writer, Pastor
