Thursday, February 17, 2011

God's Heart

I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. Acts 13:22

Does God have a heart? Theologians define the term anthropomorphism as the assignment of human attributes in reference to God. We must use human terminology to talk about God because we, in our limitations, need to express truths about our God who by His very nature is beyond human description and comprehension. (I tell you all the time, we will one day know God truly, but we will never know God fully!)

You see anthropomorphisms used often in worship songs and choruses; you see them throughout scripture, especially in the book of Revelation when John repeats himself in describing his experience continually using the word like.

Where am I going with all this? Last week we introduced our annual World Relief Offering that we are calling God’s Heart for the World. We are asking all of us to consider investing above and beyond our regular giving through PCC to invest in sustainable Kingdom endeavors specifically on the continent of Africa.

I want to simply clarify what we mean by the God’s heart part…obviously God is Spirit (John 4:24) and does not have a physical heart. But He himself spoke the anthropomorphism to us in the verse above so we would understand God does have passions and priorities. The secret to life on earth is to align our human passions and priorities with His! Let me say that another way, because it is so important. Life is wasted when we don’t align our priorities and passions around God’s.

Here is the good part: God wants to reveal those passions and priorities to individuals and to communities of His followers, if we would humble ourselves and--ready for another anthropomorphism?--seek his face (2 Chronicles 7:14)! We need this as much as the Africans who will benefit.

Today I received an email from a PCC’er who has caught God’s heart and is ALIVE! He is a Christ follower disguised as a professional working in San Francisco. In response to this campaign and Sunday’s experience he wrote:

“I sobbed as I considered the heart of God. But then, there was awareness. We can't change the world but we can change our region of the Congo. I believe that this offering will reduce the poverty level through micro loans, save lives through the health education of CHE, provide medical care for people in great need and provide hope to orphans. For those that are frustrated that they don't know what to do this may be the one step that they can take. By acting in community we can change this corner of the world.”

I’d say that captures God’s heart pretty well don’t you think? Please pray and ask God what role you will play in this offering, which we will collect on March 13. Please join us this weekend, via podcast, internet streaming or in person as we continue our series WE ARE PCC exploring what it means to Follow the Holy Spirit.