A hundred years ago Francis Thompson wrote “The Hound of Heaven.” It is a poetic tale of God in pursuit of a man. Like a hound dog God gets on the trail of a man and will not give up the chase. God wants so badly to catch us. He will take us in whatever condition the capture occurs. Old, wrinkled, it matters not. He wants us. The accumulation of sins matters not. He has already dealt with those at the cross. What He wants now is the joy of redeeming us and restoring us. He has this marvelous ability to see us not as we are but what we can be. Once He has us He has all the time in eternity to polish and shine us.
I was thinking of this this evening as my dog keeps nudging me with her cold black nose. She cocks her head as if to say, “Don’t you know it is time for our evening walk.” I can tell her I am busy and create all manner of reasons for not going but she just keeps after me.
God would not let Jonah alone. Since God treats us all the same the quest for you and me is just as intent. In Jesus’ story of the prodigal son the Father went each day to look down the road and when He saw His son coming back He did not wait but ran to meet him. You can tell God you are busy and create all manner of excuses for not accepting His offer. However, He is persistent. He wants you.
Written by Roger Bothwell on July 20, 2003
Spring of Life, 151 Old Farm Rd. Leominster, MA 01453