Why would we want any of these? We are in love with and loved by the most renowned, wealthy, powerful and loving person in existence. No mere human can be all that Jesus is. No mere human can do all that He does. No mere human can love as He loves.
There is a legend among the First Nations peoples about a beautiful Indian maiden who rejected every suitor. Her mother feared that she might ultimately overlook every eligible brave.
But one day, a handsome, shining admirer from a distant land visited her. He asked for her hand in marriage. She quickly accepted and left her home to live in that far-off country with him.
We are like that maiden. Our hearts hunger for One who is not like everyone else, who is more than merely human. No one can fill the longing we feel for Love Himself.
Like the maiden, we don’t want to settle for less than the best. We don’t want a passionless existence; we simply want to channel all our passion toward the right One. We were created to experience the best.
Mankind has searched this planet and beyond. We have followed every false god and every form of distraction and thrill. But there is only One who is eternal and who is a perpetual, ever-new delight: He is Jesus.
Therefore, set yourself to know Him–really know Him–and learn to love Him above all else. Do not let the enemy deceive you by telling you that there are equally glorious pursuits, equally great attainments. There are not. He is the Prize–and when you pursue Him, all things, all things, all things are added unto you (see Matt. 6:33; Rom. 8:32; 1 Cor. 3:21-23; Col. 2:10).
“Anna” Rountree is actually a husband-and-wife team who spent several years in pastoral ministry. They are the authors of The Heavens Opened and The Priestly Bride (Charisma House).