Human Thirst For the Divine
Have you ever wondered why am i here on earth, or what is my purpose. A.W. Tozer a classic writer struggle with these questions back in 1948, when he wrote the book the Pursuit of GOD.
"Trying to start a fire large enough for people to light the candle by its flame"
In this Timeless Classic Tozer digs deep into the human response towards god, and the preconception christians get into that can hinder their relationship with GOD. He really helps us understand GOD with biblical truth, and secret wisdom GOD has shared to him to push others in a fiery pursuit of there creator.
In this blog i will be breaking down some of the big themes and questions that arise in a few chapters of the book. From my own understanding of the book I will try to show you the theology, and experience Tozer had with GOD and my own as well.
Chapter 1: Following Hard After GOD
Q: What does the law of prevenient grace say in practical terms about our seeking GOD?
A: The law of prevenient grace says to us that GOD is the one who seeks us first. (John 6:44) Jesus Said "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them". So the impulse to pursue GOD originates with GOD. The outworking of that impulse is our following hard after him. Greatest part as we are pursuing him we are already in his hand. we must pursue god to begin to have and identifiable experience with the divine. (Tozer 12) agains to go on to examine how the churches now have made transactions of conversions this mechanical, and spiritless procedure. Which doesn't push the new believer into any special love being formed for Christ. He may be "saved" but is not hunger for GOD.
We have to get to the point of understanding that god is a person, and in his wondrous might he thinks,wills,enjoys,feels,loves,desires and suffers as any other person. GOD is relatable and examines to understand us through our own mannerisms, and emotions, personality traits, and will. Moses in (Exodus 33:12-18) is asking god to lead the people. Moses having favor in GOD'S eyes wanted him to dwell with him to show the israelites that god was with him, and them. Then further asking GOD to show him his glory. Later he passed by him and revealed himself to Moses. Paul also talks how his main goal is to know christ to have that relationship with the savior pursued him further and further in revelation of christ. Which i believe comes from us being completely surrendered as a child. Putting away the effort to try to impress others, and taking on the very nature of a guileless child.
Chapter 2: Blessedness of Possessing Nothing
Q: How does the incident with Abraham and his son Isaac support the idea of blessedness of possessing nothing?
A: Tozer in chapter 2 using the Story of Abraham and his son to support the point of blessedness with nothing. (Genesis 22:1-18) tells the story of Abraham love for his son Isaac, GOD had promised Abraham a blessing of the land, family and wealth. Issac was the representation of the whole covenant that GOD had made with Abraham. He was to carry on Abraham promise that he received from the land of Ur of the Chaldees. How could he go about to kill the kid. Abraham than has to come to grips with what GOD was asking, and found his peace in a conclusion that GOD would raise him from the dead. GOD took Abraham all the way to the moment when he was going to strike down Issac before he appeared to him to stop. Happy with Abraham's Response GOD spared Issac, and knew that Abraham truly fear the lord. Separating the possession of his son, and ultimately his possessions of livestock and wealth. This is where Tozer profound statement came into play, He had everything but possessed nothing this spiritual secret brings so much peace to the soul, mind and heart. Perpetuates the mind to come to GOD'S conclusion of storing our treasures inward and eternal which is in Heaven.
Chapter 4: Apprehending GOD
Q: What enables our spiritual senses to function?
A: Apprehending GOD is sometimes a touchy subject I believe to approach simply because "his thoughts are higher than our thoughts and his ways are higher than ours." GOD also wants us to diligently seek him with all our hearts in (Hebrews 11:6)
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." This is one of the basic truths of faith. Which I Believe in essence is saying that we must perceive god in the other kingdom that is not of this world on a daily basis. Constantly keeping our eyes on the eternal things which helps us shape the inner eyes of our soul and bring us into closer revelation of the Godhead (John 14:21-23)