As I read through the Old Testament, I keep thinking back to a big question. I keep wondering why did God keep pursuing these people the way he did? Why did God continually pursue those who rebelled against him? Why did he keep sending prophets to warn them, and not just let the consequences of their actions (and their worship) catch them unawares?
For that matter, why does he still do that with us today? Why would he pursue a guy like me, who spent years openly mocking him, and only bought a Bible in order to make fun of a friend for believing nonsense?
Why does he love people like me—why does he pursue people like me who clearly haven’t done anything to deserve his affection?
And the answer is, as cheeky, as it sounds, “just because”. He does it because it pleases him to do so. He does it because it brings him glory. Because in doing so, those around us can be amazed by him and give thanks to him. That those who continue to run away might actually find themselves drawn to him.
He pursues us because he wants to. He saves us because of his mercy. He does it all because he is good, no matter how bad we are.
Maybe that’s hard to remember. Maybe it’s hard to believe at all. But it’s true. He doesn’t accept me because of what I’ve done. He accepts me because of what Jesus has done for me. But why did Jesus do this for me?
“Just because.” There really is no better news than that for us. As hard as it is for us to hear, and as difficult as it is for us to believe, the “just because”-ness of the love of God is what we need.
