When I visited India a number of years ago, I felt quite overwhelmed by the love of my Christian brothers and sisters there as I was embraced and treated with more respect than I deserved. Though I did not understand the language, the genuine love was clearly experienced.
This past week I again felt overwhelmed by the love and acceptance of teens with whom I was blessed to spend a week at the Senior Teen Session of Delano Bay Christian Camp where I have been affectionately called “Captain Delano” for many years. For this old man to lovingly interact with teens and to be loved on by them is truly a blessing from God.
Love can be an overwhelming thing. One can be swept up by it. One can be amazed at how giving it is. Such love draws together and creates a desire to remain in the presence of those loved. And is that not all true regarding the love God has demonstrated and extended on our behalf?
As Jesus was talking with Nicodemus, He stated. . .
“(16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (17) For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:16-17 ESV)
And writing to Christians at Rome, Paul encouraged. . .
“(6) For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. (7) For one will scarcely die for a righteous person — though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die — (8) but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6-8 ESV)
What amazing love to be overwhelmed by! In the song “Reckless Love” by Cory Asbury, the chorus is:
“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.”
Praise God for the great love with which He has loved us! (Ephesians 2:4-5) May its overwhelming power continue to overcome every aspect of our life to eternally draw us to Him and the eternity prepared above!
Have a great day DRAWN BY GOD’S OVERWHELMING LOVE!
Carl
