How Does He Feel?

I had some interesting internal dialogue tonight during Bible study that I need to get out on "paper". It's amazing how things people say will trigger thoughts - then after mulling over this for the rest of the evening...well, here goes.

The question was raised "Have you lost someone or something precious to you? What insights can your experience provide regarding how God feels about the lost in your community?" I didn't have any immediate answers or experiences to lead me to any conclusions here, but finally realized I could draw a parallel to the students who are failing in my classes. They are my "lost". I have hounded, encouraged, confronted, emailed relentlessly...there are many other ways to describe my efforts to "save" these students...but often to no avail. I will say "Here I have defined exactly how you can succeed and get an A in my class!" But it does no good. How frustrating!! I want to give up! My students have so many excuses - good ones, even! They really don't have time for school because they have babies or full-time jobs or crazy family situations or illnesses. They don't know how to use their computer or haven't even checked their email. They are living in blind ignorance or complete avoidance. If they would only read my emails or turn in homework - it would be so easy to give them points! But I can't do the work for them. They have to make the conscious decision and then do something about it.

Now, I'm not sure about the theology stated here in these illustrations, but for me right now, it works. It makes me feel a stirring within. Here's how I have translated this to the spiritual realm. Jesus is relentlessly seeking us out, searching for the lost, trying to save us! He tells us "Here is how you can be saved - just read what I have written for you - do what I command! It's so easy - I've laid it all out for you - you just need to do your part!" Read my "emails", pay attention to your "missing assignments", "return my calls"! And we ignore, make excuses, and avoid Him altogether. It would be so easy for Jesus to give us the free gift of salvation, but He can't force it - we have a part to play. We have to "earn" our grade...whatever we interpret that to mean in our spiritual lives.

My prayer: Lord, I don't want to be the frustrating student who ignores and avoids my Shepherd. I know I use excuses like baby or husband or sleep but really there isn't anything more important than you. You've made it so easy - You're continually inviting me to spend time with You - Your unconditional love and patience is humanly unfathomable. Thank you for helping me think about this in ways that make sense - I can totally identify with the teacher/student picture and I wonder why my students don't all get A's!! They could! I'm sure you sometimes wonder why your children won't all be saved. You've made it possible! You continue to make it your priority even when nobody responds. Thank you for that. Take my desire to respond and quintuple it, reminding me of this decision every morning. Amen.

*Note: This may raise questions of earned salvation vs the free gift of salvation - a hugely debated issue among Christians. I'm still hoping to understand this fine line better...I don't believe we should ever be certain we have the right answer, but continue to study and remain open to the Holy Spirit.