Why a "Relationship" With God?

Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” 27 So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 28 Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”

God made us for relationships. He formed us and gave us life for relationships. A relationship with the Maker of the universe is an overwhelming thing. In fact, this relationship that God wanted from the start was one where He and His creation walked through the garden together in perfect harmony and in step with each other. God has always wanted to share with us His creation and His love shown on the cross furthers draws us back into a relationship with Him. In the first creation of this initial relationship He gave Adam and Eve life and life in the fullest, but sin ruined everything.

And now through Jesus, this relationship has been recreated and offered to all who will receive the gift of salvation. This is why we don't just get "fire insurance" by accepting Jesus, but continue to grow in that relationship with God. Once again in perfect harmony because of Jesus. God has given us the tools to grow in this relationship and they are the Bible, the Holy Spirit, Spirit-led prayer, and the fellowship of all those who have received God's grace. If we leave any of these tools out we are compromising what God did to make this all possible. I love to have my Bible study outside and when I get deep in the word and deep in prayer I can almost imagine the Lord walking with me and guiding me, and teaching me and comforting me.

The prophet Joel spoke of the Lord's intent in his prophecy in Joel 2 and God is speaking through Joel and says the following words of encouragement to the children of Israel and also to us. Joel 2:12 That is why the Lord says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. 13 Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish. 14 Who knows? Perhaps he will give you a reprieve, sending you a blessing instead of this curse. Perhaps you will be able to offer grain and wine to the Lord your God as before.

What a wonderful description of our heavenly Father, or "daddy." Abba Father is how close God has made it possible to get to know Him and we need to draw near to Him and He will draw near to us, James wrote in James 4:8 how we are to get back right with God and I would not delay in getting this right. James 4:8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. 9 Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.

Here is the kicker in all of this. God doesn't desire our sacrifice or our offerings. He just wants us! Here is how God spoke through Hosea about what He wants from us when we come back to Him. Hosea 6: 6 I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings. 7 But like Adam, you broke my covenant and betrayed my trust. Do not betray God's trust by keeping Him at arm's length. Draw near to Him. He is waiting with open arms of love.

Vesselogical Out,

David Warren