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, as a challenge that if he is equal to God by being good, he should do what Christ has done. He gave up the riches of heaven to be the poor man incarnate.
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 you cannot justify yourself using the law to enter in. 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. In this account, the roles were reversed as Jesus, the rich man pursued the wealthy poor man.
