“Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as an offering to the LORD…” –Exodus 35:5
It seems often contrary to our perspective of God to give Him permission to do anything. We say, “He is God and He can do whatever He wants.” But… God has chosen to give us something very special – freewill. Because of this amazing, undeserved and often misunderstood gift, God respects our permissions. He has set us in charge of guarding our hearts. He will knock but we have to invite Him in. He does not force Himself on anyone. He creates us with the ability to sense His glory and He draws us to His Son by calling us, but He never forces anyone to accept the call. He has done this so He can have the greatest gift: a people who with their own freewill choose to love Him in return and out of a willing heart offer their bodies as a living sacrifice.
“Then everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and they brought the LORD’s offering…” –Exodus 35:21
Love it!
Justin,
I like the point you make about God giving us freewill and drawing us to Him through His Son, Jesus and that we need to respond to His call. This reciprocity is brought out very well in here in your post. Your stressing that our willingly coming to the Lord gives Him the greatest gift is something I needed to hear. Thank you. Betsy
Thanks for the comment Betsy! I’m so glad the post spoke to you. 🙂 It’s an interesting perspective to think about what blesses the Lord. He loves it when we love Him, and we love Him because He first loved us.
“He creates us with the ability to sense His glory and He draws us to His Son by calling us.” Thank the Lord for what He has given. Lord, cause us to respond to Your drawing and to have a willing heart for You.
Amen! Thank you Jesus!