Introduction

The concept of God's initiative and human response is a central theme throughout the Bible, illustrating the dynamic relationship between the divine and humanity. This theme underscores the belief that God, in His sovereignty and grace, takes the first step in reaching out to humanity, inviting a response of faith, obedience, and worship. This entry explores key biblical passages and theological insights that highlight this divine-human interaction.

God's Initiative

1. Creation and Covenant: From the very beginning, God demonstrates His initiative in creation. Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This act of creation is the first instance of God reaching out to establish a relationship with His creation. Furthermore, God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3 exemplifies divine initiative, as God calls Abraham to leave his country and promises to make him a great nation.

2. The Call of Moses: In Exodus 3, God initiates contact with Moses through the burning bush, calling him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. This divine encounter illustrates God's proactive role in the deliverance of His people. Exodus 3:10 records God's words, "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt."

3. The Prophets: Throughout the Old Testament, God sends prophets to call His people back to Himself. Isaiah 6:8 captures this initiative, where God asks, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for Us?" Isaiah responds, "Here am I. Send me!" This interaction highlights God's ongoing pursuit of His people through prophetic voices.

4. The Incarnation: The ultimate expression of God's initiative is the incarnation of Jesus Christ. John 1:14 declares, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." In sending His Son, God takes the definitive step to reconcile humanity to Himself, offering salvation through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.

Our Response

1. Faith and Obedience: The appropriate human response to God's initiative is faith and obedience. Hebrews 11:6 emphasizes, "And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Faith is the means by which individuals accept God's invitation and enter into a relationship with Him.

2. Repentance and Worship: In response to God's call, repentance is a necessary step. Acts 3:19 urges, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away." Worship is also a fitting response, as seen in Psalm 95:6, "Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker."

3. Service and Mission: Believers are called to respond to God's initiative by serving others and participating in His mission. Ephesians 2:10 states, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." This service is an expression of gratitude and a reflection of God's love to the world.

4. Perseverance and Hope: The Christian response includes perseverance in faith and hope in God's promises. Romans 5:3-5 encourages believers, "Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us."

Conclusion

The interplay between God's initiative and human response is a profound narrative woven throughout Scripture. It reveals a God who actively seeks relationship with His creation and invites a response that encompasses faith, obedience, repentance, worship, service, and hope. This divine-human interaction is foundational to understanding the Christian life and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.