Eager Love – February 22, 2021

At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan.
Mark 1:12,13

Eager Love

“Just a minute.”

How often has someone said that to you? Your child when you tell her it’s time for dinner. Your spouse when you ask for help with the dishes. Your friend when you have important news you want to share.

Sometimes, “just a minute” is a valid response. At the moment, you are wrapped up in something that you cannot walk away from. You want to help but just physically can’t. Other times, “just a minute” is simply a selfish response. You just don’t want to listen. You just are feeling lazy. You just would rather do your own thing.

What a difference “at once” makes! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every time you needed someone’s help or needed someone to listen, they were there? We could all use the power and possibility of an eager love like that in our lives.

God’s love is like that. The Son of God, Jesus, had just been baptized in the Jordan River. As soon as the Holy Spirit inaugurated him into the office of Savior, he wasted no time in sending Jesus into the wilderness to begin his work of saving us. His work began with battling the devil and ended with bowing to death. But God raised Jesus from the dead because he did his job perfectly. Believing in him, you are instantly free from the due penalty and punishment of sin.

If God didn’t hesitate to love you in that way, he certainly won’t stop gladly and freely loving you. When you call on him for help, he won’t drag his feet to do what he knows is right and best for you right this minute.

That’s how willingly, eagerly, and urgently God loves you.

Prayer:
Lord God, you are my hope and salvation. You will not forsake or abandon me. In temptation and trouble, come quickly to help me. Do not delay! Amen.