Have you ever been as full as a “tick”? A friend of mine says this after they have eaten too much. Have you thought about how a good meal just sticks with you? It lingers. It is all consuming. For awhile, it is the only thing we can think, feel and talk about. It is overwhelming. We are so full we feel as if we will just explode. It’s just like that with God. He wants to shower us with so much goodness and mercy that we could just explode – explode with JOY. In fact, He pursues us – with goodness and mercy. He chases us to gives us goodness. He has mercy running after us.  I discovered (and much smarter people than I could explain it better) this wonderful Hebrew word for follow called radaph. – If I have this right, it means, “to pursue, run after, to chase”. How beautiful is that?! Chase in the English language sounds good, but Radaph! Radaph!! Say it. It has such a beautiful tone! It’s not easy to say without a feeling of power and excitement to it. 

God says in Psalms that: Surely goodness and mercy shall pursue me all the days of my life. Psalm23:6a.  Goodness and mercy – they do not just follow you but they pursue you! They chase after you- full force! There is nothing wimpy about them! They are in it to win it! Radaph!!  To be chased by mercy- to be chased by love. Look at Abraham, David, Peter, Paul, all throughout the Bible they know what it was like to be pursued and to pursue. Look at the story of Matthew, Jesus’ disciple. His calling to be a disciple. Most people think of Matthew as the disciple who was a tax collector, but the other more important point about Matthew is this-  Jesus chose him! He was in his tax booth and Jesus pursued him! Pursued! Radaph! (Matthew 9.) How amazing! What love,  mercy and grace! Then Matthew goes out and pursues others to bring them to Jesus. 

Jesus pursues us with abandon.  He loves with His arms open wide.  He doesn’t hold back. The bar has been set.  It’s easy to love our friends, family and even our closest neighbors, but what about the ones you don’t know?  The ones who cut you off in line, slow down traffic or take too long to take your order?Have you brought someone to the Table or even just gave them an offering from it for no other reason than just because? God’s Table is always full and plenty to share as long as we honor Him in what we do.  

So, come to the Table. There is plenty to share. Mashed potatoes can go a long way. Add extra milk and a cup of mercy and kindness.  Just try to step a little bit out of your comfort zone and see what happens. You will be amazed. May you feel His love as you sit at the Table this week and remember- Radaph! Chased by the One who loves you – truly.

 

Hugs,

kjs

☀️