"For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."
—Romans 8:38-39 (NLT)
Recently, I had a conversation with a man who had relapsed into pornography and sexual compulsion. My heart broke for him because I know him well, and I sincerely believe he has a deep desire to stop this addiction that is destroying his life. I asked if I could pray with him.
As we began to pray, an image formed in my mind: this young man, trapped in a drug house surrounded by a gang of thugs with guns strapped to their shoulders—a place where you know bad things are happening. In my mind's eye, I saw the young man being held hostage, bound and crying, desperately wanting to escape.
Suddenly, an old jalopy pulls up, and out steps Jesus. He walks swiftly toward the front door, ignoring the two men who pull guns on him, telling him he’s not welcome. Jesus kicks in the door amid a flurry of bullets fired not just at him but hitting him and wounding him. The bullets don’t seem to harm him, although blood flows from his wounds.
Jesus kicks in the door to another room, where this young man sits—scared and alone. I can feel the weight of fear and hopelessness in his heart, yet Jesus remains undeterred by the chaos. He ignores the sin that binds the boy and the paraphernalia surrounding him, scooping the young man up in his arms. In that moment, Jesus embodies perfect love and courage, shielding the boy as he carries him through the ongoing gunfire. The contrast between the boy's terror and Jesus's unwavering determination is striking; it illustrates the lengths to which Jesus will go to rescue us.
Suddenly, my emotions overwhelmed me as I realized that Jesus will stop at nothing to save us. Pain won’t deter him. Not sin, not pride, nothing—not even death—can stop him.
His love is reckless. In that moment, the song "Reckless Love" by Cory Asbury came to my remembrance. I’d like to share some of the lyrics with you:
“Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine
I couldn't earn it, and I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah
When I was Your foe, still Your love fought for me
You have been so, so good to me
When I felt no worth, You paid it all for me
You have been so, so kind to me
There's no shadow You won't light up
Mountain You won't climb up
Coming after me
There's no wall You won't kick down
Lie You won't tear down
Coming after me”
Jesus is so utterly unconcerned with anything that stands between you and Him.
Never forget that God's love is truly reckless, always pursuing us, no matter the circumstances. His unwavering presence offers hope and redemption to all who seek it.
In what ways has Jesus pursued you, even in your darkest moments. Are there areas in your life where you feel bound or trapped? Know that His love is greater than any fear, sin, or obstacle. Just as He reached out for the young boy, He is reaching out for you, ready to lift you into His arms and carry you to safety. Embrace that love and let it transform your life.
Take what you like, and leave the rest.
Dean P
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