Song of the Day
“Reckless Love” by Cory Asbury
Scripture to reflect upon
- Zeph 3:17,
- 2 Cor 5:21,
- Rom 5:8,
- 1 John 3:1,
- 1 Cor 13:4-8(a),
Devotional thought
Let me begin by saying, God never does anything in a reckless way! He is the God of order, not chaos. His plans are fulfilled just as He planned it. Reckless is not even in His nature, intentionality and order are more in line with our God’s character! So, why would we sing a song that speaks of God having a reckless approach to loving us? Well, let’s talk about it.
From the outside looking in, from the world’s perspective (and probably the Church’s too), it appears that people who don’t deserve to be shown mercy are speaking of their lives forever changed by the love and goodness of God toward them. Many times we may wonder why, or how, “these people” would receive mercy from God after what “they” have done. Maybe we have forgotten the love that God showed us too, and how little we deserve that sort of grace!
So, why say “reckless”? Well, if I told you that I gave my son as a sacrifice to save you, would you call me a good father, or would you call that a reckless decision that cost the life of my son? If I told you that I left 99 sheep to get back the one that ran off, you might think to yourself that it was a reckless decision to chase the one who chose the path they took anyways, right? What if I asked you how many times you sinned today, and then asked if God still loves you – what would you say? Doesn’t that seem to be reckless?
Still showing love to someone who sins against you, blessing your enemy, seeking the forgiveness of the Father upon the people who are responsible for putting you on a cross of punishment without any wrong committed by you. Doesn’t this all seem so reckless?
We don’t deserve any of God’s goodness or love, and yet He has seen it fit to lavish it upon us! He doesn’t hold back. His love believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, never keeps records of wrong, and never fails! He rejoices over us with songs of joy and renews us by His love. If you don’t think of that as somewhat reckless, then I would say that you aren’t viewing yourself and your sinful ways in the right perspective. When we have the right understanding of our absolute depravity, then I think we can all understand why the writer of the song today would call the love of God, which overlooks that depravity and shows us kindness, somewhat reckless!
Prayer
Oh Father, I praise You for not being afraid to appear reckless as You relentlessly pursue us in Your love. I thank You that You are the God of order, that Your plan is being carried out for our redemption, and what appeared to be reckless to some has resulted in my eternal salvation! I will forever love and praise You for that sort of love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
