** But because the LORD loved you…** Deuteronomy 7:8
The book of Deuteronomy reads like a letter from a father to his children. It is full of guidelines to keep them safe, warnings to stay far from danger, and instructions on how to deal with problems that may come up. It is also a book of declarations of love like this one in chapter 7.
The children of Israel were not better or different than any other people group on the planet. Some were tall, some were short. Some were fat and some were skinny. Some were sick and some were healthy. Some were strong and some were weak. There wasn’t anything spectacular or notable about them.
They weren’t giants, or superheroes, or men of renown. They were just a group of people that were descendants of one man. A man of faith. A man who heard from God and decided to step out in faith and believe Him and do as He said. And then he just walked through the rest of his life believing the promises He was given. A simple but historic beginning.
But it wasn’t Abraham’s faith that began this historic relationship. It was God’s love.
** But because the LORD loved you…**
Yes, Abraham was key. His faith got the ball rolling. But his son, Isaac, was not known for his great faith. He just inherited his father’s lifestyle. Nor was Jacob a great man of faith as a young man. Faith is not the lifeblood of the story.
God’s love is.
In John 3:16, we, as New Testament followers of this same God, learn that His love has been center focus since the beginning of time. ** For God so loved the world….**
Not because we are famous, or strong, or beautiful, or powerful, or intelligent…but because He chose to love us. He wanted to love us. Because Love is God’s middle name.
**…Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. ** Jeremiah 31:3
Sometimes we forget that. That God loves us because of Him, not because of us. Because of Who He is. Because love is God and God is love.
It’s not about us. It’s not about what we’ve done or who we are or what we look like or where we are from.
It’s about Him and His love.
Because of His love, we are part of His family. We are under His protection. We are cared for and encouraged and spoiled and forgiven. Forgiven for EVERYTHING that we have ever done wrong or fallen short of or failed. Because Love forgives, completely and forever.
God’s love is complete. 100%. He is ALL IN.
He has loved each of us since before the beginning of time. He will love us for all of eternity. He loves Israel. He loves those who follow His Son. All the time. Every day. In every circumstance. Forever.
I wonder if we love Him the same way. Every day. No matter what.
I wonder.