Who Is Man?

Date
July 15, 2022
Author
Thana Sedibe
Category
Word Today

Friday, 15 July 2022

“He came to His own people, and even they rejected Him” – John 1:11 NLT

When we belonged to the world, our affection for others was determined or influenced primarily by how they treated us. When someone shows you love it is easy to reciprocate it. When someone is cold towards you it’s easy to write them off. We know very well we aren’t bothered by people who aren’t concerned with our well-being. This is why people talk about having mortal enemies, and how some families in rural KZN have been at war with each other for years. This is how the world and society operate.

Yet GOD, in His mercy and love, chose to pursue us, even when we were at war with Him. Our very existence on earth insulted and rebelled against Him while we were in sin. He sent His only Son so that we may be reconciled to Him. Even though He came to His own, His own rejected Him. Yet He still decided that His only Son should sacrifice Himself, so that when we are ready to receive Him, the work would have already been done. Before we repented from our wicked ways, Jesus had already sacrificed Himself. While we were still rejecting Him, He decided that we are going to become His children. He didn’t send Him to condemn us, but that through Him we might become redeemed. That the righteous requirements of the law might be FULLY met in us. All this while we were serving another master; while gratifying every single desire of the flesh.

“What are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them” (Psalm 8:4 NLT). Who are we that He would be so concerned about us? This is what baffles me as a mere mortal. Why the patience? Even today when I rebel and turn my back on Him, He still pursues me like a jealous lover. He leaves the 99 to look for the one that requires saving. The math doesn’t add up. The world teaches us that the needs of the many, outweigh the needs of the few. Yet He leaves the many to search and save the few. While they are at a distance, He runs to them and slaughters the fattest cow. He puts on a garment of 100% cotton, and embraces them. Who is man that You are so mindful of him?

This same man You have called to be a co-heir with Your only begotten Son. The same man You have called a friend and not a slave. The same man You have given dominion on earth. The same man You bless with Your presence, when two or more of them are gathered in Your name. This mere mortal whose praises You inhabit. This mere mortal that carries Your Spirit with him. Oh, what manner of love is this? It baffles the mind, the things GOD has done so that we may be able to fellowship with Him. That we may be able to be called His sons. “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15 NIV. He truly is Our Father.