Love For Nothing

A few days ago I was sitting here finishing up my prayer and study time with the Lord.  My oldest cat Spotty had just jumped up on the bed, as he always does.  He comes over purring and fully expecting to be welcomed and loved.  There is no doubt on his part that I will embrace him as he walks over to where I am.

We've been studying Genesis in Sunday morning Bible Study.  We have been roaming around in the lives of Jacob and Esau in recent weeks.  As we go through their story we see that before Jacob and Esau were even born, born they did anything good or bad, helpful or harmful...before they took their first breath, Jacob would be the one blessed.  He would be the one to embrace the Lord, and be embraced by Him.

So how are these two incidents related you ask?  Simple.  There is nothing we have to do to be loved by the Lord.  There is nothing we can do to earn His mercy and all encompassing, eternal love.  I know sometimes I forget this.  Especially in the last few days.  As Spot just jumps right up and expects my welcoming lap, so we too are accepted and cherished when we come to our Father.  My cat doesn't have to do a thing (as a cat he really doesn't even think about it or care to do anything!)  In the case of Jacob, the Lord chose Him before he made any choices one way or the other.  In fact, we see Jacob making some pretty goofy decisions.  And yet the Lord chooses him to bless and through him to bring the Messianic line.

Our job in all this?  To accept His limitless love and salvation.  To welcome His warm embrace.

Romans 9:16   So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it.

Ephesians 2:8-9   God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.  Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

And here comes Spot!!

Lord, thank You that we don't have to earn Your love, You acceptance or Your blessing.  I know for myself, I am utterly undeserving.  I get so frustrated sometimes when things don't go my way....and I blame You.  Thank You for loving me anyway.  For welcoming me back into You everlasting arms even after I push You away in anger.  You are so good to me.