ELTBefore Gimel ג
...that he pursued us
The *ג* (Gimel) traditionally 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. (See Appendix 12.1: The Rich Man and the Kingdom of God )
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. But the man made himself equal to God by declaring he had kept the whole law. (See Appendix 12.2: God’s Pursuit Through Jesus )
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 (God) has done. He gave up the riches of heaven to be the poor man incarnate. (See Appendix 12.5: The Reversal of Roles Between Rich and Poor )
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. (See Appendix 12.3: God's Pursuit as Active Grace )
- "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. (See Appendix 12.4: The Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Pursuit of the Lost )
Conclusion
The *ג* (Gimel) symbolizes God’s pursuit of humanity. He first loves us, then pursues us by teaching his holiness, 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.It's interesting that that name 'gimel' means camel which is a symbol of the judge.
Discussion
1. Gimel as Symbolizing God’s Pursuit of Humanity
- How does the interpretation of ג (Gimel) as a rich man pursuing a poor man help us understand God’s grace and mercy in His pursuit of humanity?
- What does this metaphor reveal about our spiritual condition and God’s motivation to seek us, despite our unworthiness?
- In what ways does the rich man’s pursuit of the poor reflect the Gospel message of salvation offered to the spiritually needy?
2. The Reversal of Roles in the Rich Man’s Encounter with Jesus
- How does the encounter between Jesus and the rich man in the Gospel shed light on the concept of true goodness belonging only to God?
- What does the reversal of roles in this story—where the wealthy man is confronted by Jesus, the humble yet divine source of true riches—teach us about humanity’s need for God?
- How might this perspective change how we view spiritual richness versus material wealth?
3. The Concept of Active Divine Pursuit
- Why is the idea of God actively pursuing humanity significant in understanding His nature and His plan of salvation?
- How do verses like Luke 19:10 and John 6:44 emphasize the grace-driven initiative of God in seeking the lost?
- What does this active pursuit tell us about God’s character and His desire for a relationship with us?
4. The Pursuit of the Lost Through Jesus
- How does Gimel symbolize Jesus’ mission to seek and save the lost, as highlighted in His ministry?
- In what ways does the rich man’s desire for eternal life reflect the spiritual poverty of all humanity?
- How does Jesus’ response to the rich man encapsulate the divine pursuit of redemption and the invitation into relationship with God?
