God Gives ALL A Choice

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Scripture: Acts 13:45

But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began contradicting the things spoken by Paul, and were blaspheming.

Insights: This verse and verses like it break my heart.  These individuals had heard the good news and now were in the process of rejecting it.  I have shared the gospel with many people in my life.  Many have come to know Jesus Christ and their lives truly were changed and the evidence is still present to this day.  Others, however, rejected the gospel and their lives have shown the ever downward spiral of despair and toxicity that God never intended for them.  Yet God gives humanity the choice.  He is not a dictatorial god playing with the fate of humans.  His love is so grand He actually wants people to choose Him.  In other words, He does not coerce, force or manipulate people to enter into a relationship with Him.  He genuinely extends grace and continually draws on the hearts of humanity, but at the end of the day, He let’s us choose or reject Him.  I personally think this truth tells us a great deal about the Father and His amazing love.  It reveals to us that God is secure in who He is.  His identity and value is not based on our acceptance or rejection.  It reveals His transparency and vulnerability as well.  He is open and honest about His pain in our rejection, but He does not let that pain alter our choice.  He allows us to walk a path which will ultimately lead to eternal suffering and torment and the Lord, though not fine with this, will allow it to happen because He respects your choice.  If you are one who does not have a relationship with Jesus and you have rejected His gracious gift, then I would strongly encourage you to think through these truths I have mentioned about God’s character.  I would encourage you to think through the long term outcome of your decisions.  I, obviously, would encourage you to say, “Yes,” to Jesus and enter into that relationship.  I can promise you this: your life will still be full of problems and difficulties, but there will be one walking the journey with you who will stick closer than a brother.  Trust Him and see.

Questions:

1. Is your heart grateful or discouraged by the fact God gives us a choice to accept or reject Him?

2. Would you prefer for the Lord to have chosen a different way to invite humanity into a relationship with Him?

Prayer: Father, I am grateful You give us the choice to enter into a relationship with You.  May Your good grace continue to strive with humanity and may we delight in Your mercy.  Amen.

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