I have been chased by God at many times in my life. God has brought transformation, grace and direction just when I needed it. So, how is it that I missed this in scripture? I have been working my way through a commentary on the book of Acts by Willie James Jennings. (My nerdiness on full display.) It has expanded my view of the text and expanded my view of the work of God through the text. There is a quote from the commentary where Jennings talks about Acts being about revolution and the disruptive work of the spirit of God.
I have always looked at the book of Acts as the coming of the Holy Spirit and the story of Paul’s transformation and ministry. By the time we get to the end of the book, Paul is in prison asking to speak to Caesar. Finally, Paul is shipped to Rome. The entire time I am thinking it is focused on Pauls quest for freedom completely missing what God was doing. God was actively sending Paul to the places where hearts needed changing by hearing his testimony, to the people being chased by God. This included the gentiles (outcasts) of Rome.
26 “‘Go to this people and say,
“You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.”
27 For this people’s heart has become calloused;
they hardly hear with their ears,
and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.’[a] 28 “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” [29] [b] (Acts 28:26-28 NIV)
I have always read this scripture as an admonishment by God. I encourage you to read it agin as God with a longing for the hearts he wants to heal. It changes how it feels. There is a desperation in Gods love for the lost. It shows the lengths God will go to for those who do not know him.
We are all being chased by God. Some of us are listening and finding healing. Some of us are still turning away. The truth is God will not stop chasing after the hearts of the lost that they may be healed. He will not stop until all ears hear and eyes see. God is offering a healing like no other.
Is God calling you to share your testimony so someone can hear and see? Are you running from God not ready to turn and hear? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.