EXTRAVAGANT LOVE
19th Jun 2024
During the week I read the story of God telling Nathan the prophet what he wanted to do for David, who is overwhelmed by God’s mercy, grace and extravagant love. In 2 Samuel chapter 7: 20-22 in The Message, David says this….”What can I possibly say in the face of all this? You know me, Master God, just as I am. You’ve done all this not because of who I am, but because of who you are - out of your very heart! - but you’ve let me in on it. This is what makes you so great Master God! There is none like you, no God but you, nothing to compare…”
God pours out His love on us because He is love, He acts in love towards us because He wants to help us, bless and prosper us - not based on our performance, but on His very nature of love. It is almost too much to take in - as the hymn puts it:
You are beautiful beyond description
Too marvellous for words
Too wonderful for comprehension
Like nothing ever seen or heard
Who can grasp Your infinite wisdom?
Who can fathom the depth of your love?
You are beautiful beyond description
Majesty, enthroned above
Psalm 149 tells us to verbalise our appreciation. In the Message verse 1 says, “Sing God a brand new song, praise Him in the company of all who love him.”
Verses 5-9 says “Let true lovers break out in praise, sing out from wherever they’re sitting. Shout the high praises of God.” Psalm 150 continues, “Praise him for his acts of power and his magnificent greatness.”
It is so good to worship God, to join with others who love the Lord and sing his praise. I’m asking God to cause me to see His heart of love and to let praise and worship pour out of me - not just the latest worship song, but a new appreciation of God’s very nature, which will cause me to see, be thankful and turn my words into heartfelt praise.
by Joyce Sibthorpe
