And a careful examination of these words show just how wonderful this pursuit really is. Goodness is a hallmark of our God, as well as a hallmark of his very good creation. Thus, the goodness that pursues me is the very good-ness (Genesis 1:31) of his creation intent for me. Not only is the One who pursues me very good, but the one he intended and designed me to be is also very good. His very good desire is that he restore me to my very good-ness. To remake me into the fearful and wonderful creation that he intended me to be.
The other thing that is a hallmark of our God is his unfailing love. The Hebrew word is hesed. It is the word for love that highlights the eternal nature of God’s love. It is forever, it is unchanging, it is not going anywhere. Nothing can stop it. It is a pursuit that will not rest until it captures completely heart of the one being pursued.
And finally, there is the word follow, which is not nearly strong enough to describe the picture being painted here. The Hebrew word is radaph, which is most often translated pursue. It is used 143 times in the Old Testament, mostly in reference to armies pursuing their enemies. And on one occasion (1 Samuel 26:20) it is even translated hunt, as a hunter would stalk his prey. That is the kind of following we are talking about. It is not a casual, haphazard type of thing, but a relentless pursuit. God relentlessly pursues me with his goodness and his unfailing love “all the days of my life.” Thus, my relationship with him is not dependent on my feeble pursuit of him, but on his relentless pursuit of me. It is not so much about finding him, as it is about being found by him. It is dependent on him, not on me. Thanks be to God!
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