But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 NIV
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
I couldn’t earn it, and I don’t deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah
The above lyrics are from the worship song “Reckless Love” by Cory Asbury. His song is an expression and interpretation of how God loves us. Is God reckless? Absolutely not! But how He loves us is.
To be reckless means in a sense to be audacious, adventuresome, or daring. Cory explains, “His love bankrupted heaven for you. His love doesn’t consider Himself first. His love isn’t selfish or self-serving. He doesn’t wonder what He’ll gain or lose by putting Himself out there. He simply gives Himself away on the off-chance that one of us might look back at Him and offer ourselves in return.” (https://www.songfacts.com/facts/cory-asbury/reckless-love)
In the book of Luke, we hear how in heaven there is more joy over a sinner who repents and returns to God than the 99 righteous who haven’t strayed away. (V. 15:7) We also see in the book of Luke the story of the Prodigal Son. It was an act of “reckless love” that the father in this story welcomes his son back with open arms. He did not care what other people thought of this statement of love.
Our heavenly Father is exactly like the father of the Prodigal Son. When we wander away, our Father waits patiently and prays of our return to Him. When we make the choice to come home, He gladly welcomes us back with open arms.
Prayer
If you have wandered away or know of someone who has strayed, it is not too late for them to return to the loving arms of the Father. God’s love will reach the highest of highs and lowest of lows. He will leave the 99 for you!
Here is a simple prayer you can pray:
Dear Lord,
I pray for a revelation for __________.
May you reveal a fresh insight upon their dry bones.
I pray that your transformative love falls fresh on them and they run home to you Lord.
Amen.
As always, I would be honored to pray with and for you. You can reach me at Tina@flourishingforchrist.com