God does not need us, but He does want us.

God does not need us, but He does want us. Yesterday I wrote about the affect our sin has on God - it doesn't. Then today I read a devotional from Encouraging Words for Women.

Encouraging Words for Women

By Darlene Sala / Barbour Publishing

The author notes that while God does not need us for anything or need anything from us, He wants a relationship with us. (See page 190-192, For His Own Sake) She discovered this when she read Isaiah 43:25:

“I, even I, am he who blots out
your transgressions, for my own sake,
and remembers your sins no more."

What other reason would there be for God to blot out our transgressions if not for His own sake? Since He is God, Creator and Sustainer of the universes, "for His own sake" has to mean because He wanted to. He sent Jesus to die for our sins because He wanted to....Wanted to what? Forgive us? Wash us clean? Why would our state of cleanliness or filth make Him any difference?

My guess is that He wants us in a condition that He can enjoy, in a condition that He can stand to be around, in a condition that is pleasing to His senses. The only way to do that is through Jesus.

Then the next question is why would he want us in a pleasing condition ...... unless He wants to be near us as in a relationship, not just creator and created, or master and servant. But in a relationship, like the perfect husband and wife. Sharing everything. Obeying. Serving. Loving. Mutually supportive.

- Okay. I need to explain that. We need to support God in that we work to enlarge His influence with our friends and co-workers. We work to fulfill the instructions Jesus gave right before He ascended in Matthew 28:19-20 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

So God does not need us. He has everything. God wants a loving supportive relationship with us. What a privilege! And awesome responsibility to be in relationship with Him.

Dear God, Thank you so much for wanting to be a relationship with me. Forgive me when I shirk my part in this relationship....when I don't spend time with You...when I only come to You when I need something..... when I ignore you.....when I act as though I don't need you. Please forgive me. Amen.

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