ELTBefore Gimel ג
The *ג* (Gimel) represents a rich man pursuing a poor man, symbolizing God’s pursuit of humanity. Just as a rich man may pursue a poor man with the intent to offer help or guidance, God pursues us to offer His grace, salvation, and kingdom. This pursuit is clearly reflected in the account of the rich man who approached Jesus, asking what he must do to enter the kingdom of God. Jesus’ response revealed the man's misunderstanding, as he sought to justify his own goodness, even equating himself to God by claiming to be "good" in a way that Jesus alone could claim.
Here are some verses that reflect God’s pursuit of humanity and the account of the rich man seeking eternal life:
**God Pursues Humanity**
1. ▸ ± Matthew 19:16-17
*"Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, 'Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?' 'Why do you ask me about what is good?' Jesus replied. 'There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.'"* - In this passage, the rich man asks what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus challenges him by asking why he calls Jesus "good," indicating that only God is truly good.
2. ▸ ± Matthew 19:21-22
*"Jesus answered, 'If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.' When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth."* - Jesus calls the rich man to give up his wealth and follow Him, symbolizing God’s invitation to enter His kingdom, despite the cost of personal sacrifice.
3. ▸ ± Luke 19:10
*"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."* - Jesus clearly states that His mission is to seek out and save those who are lost, reflecting God’s pursuit of humanity through His Son.
*"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day."* - This verse shows that God actively draws people to Himself, emphasizing His pursuit of humanity for salvation.
5. ▸ ± Revelation 3:20
*"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me."* - This verse depicts Jesus pursuing individuals, knocking on the door of their hearts, waiting for them to respond to His invitation.
6. ▸ ± Isaiah 55:6
*"Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near."* - A call to humanity to seek God while He is near, highlighting His availability and desire for a relationship with us.
7. ▸ ± Hosea 11:4
*"I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; to them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them."* - God describes His pursuit of His people in terms of love and care, drawing them close with compassion and tenderness.
**Conclusion**
The *ג* (Gimel) symbolizes God’s pursuit of humanity, as exemplified by the story of the rich man who approached Jesus, seeking eternal life. In this encounter, Jesus reveals that true goodness belongs to God alone, and that the way to enter the kingdom of God requires a personal sacrifice and dependence on God's grace. Throughout Scripture, God is depicted as actively pursuing humanity, inviting us to a relationship with Him, just as a rich man might pursue a poor man with an offer of salvation.
He pursued us
Old Testament
Psalm 23:6
"Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
The word "follow" here can be translated as "pursue," reflecting God's relentless love and care.
Ezekiel 34:11-12
"For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep."
God is portrayed as a shepherd actively seeking out His lost sheep.
Hosea 2:14
"Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her."
This verse illustrates God's pursuit of His people, drawing them back to Himself with love and compassion.
New Testament
Luke 15:4-7 (Parable of the Lost Sheep)
"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?"
Jesus emphasizes God's active pursuit of the lost, seeking to restore them.
John 6:44
"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day."
This highlights God's initiative in drawing people to Himself.
Romans 5:8
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
God's love pursues us even in our sin, providing salvation through Christ.
Revelation 3:20
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me."
Jesus pursues intimacy with individuals, patiently waiting for their response.
