God has been stretching me. He’s been stretching my mind to take in greater thoughts about who He is, and my heart to receive greater depths of His love. In this process I’ve begun to realize something. I’ve realized that the more I understand His greatness – His absolute holiness, His infinite wisdom, His sovereignty and power – the more I am overwhelmed by His love.
I realize that Calvary stands as the ultimate demonstration of that love, but I believe the words in John 17:23 are the ultimate declaration of that love. Jesus (who never lies) says that His Father, this amazing and glorious God, loves us as much as He loves His own perfect Son. You read that right. It is a stunningly profound comment and truth. I understand the love of the Father for His Son – for Christ – what’s not to love? But I can’t understand that same love (“even as” the Scripture assures us) being directed towards me – what’s to love? And yet, that’s really what true love is all about – what God’s love is all about. It’s not based on the recipient’s worth, but on the heart of the One who loves.
I’m not a big fan of physical exercise. I don’t deny its value – I’m just not a big fan. But being stretched by God is the best exercise there is. God, who is infinitely above the sum total of my thoughts about Him (even when my mind has been stretched), loves me and is stretching my heart to received more and more of that love.
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