Because God Is A Self Sending God

Because God is a Self-Sending God: Exploring the Paradox of Divine Incarnation

The concept of God, particularly within Abrahamic religions, presents a profound paradox: an infinite, transcendent being who nonetheless engages intimately with the finite, immanent world. This engagement, the very act of God's self-revelation and interaction with humanity, is encapsulated in the idea of God as a "self-sending God." This theological concept, rich in implications and open to diverse interpretations, explores the divine initiative in bridging the seemingly insurmountable gap between the divine and the human. This article delves into the multifaceted nature of this self-sending God, exploring its theological underpinnings, philosophical implications, and practical consequences for faith and life.

The Divine Initiative: God's Uncoerced Self-Revelation

At the heart of the "self-sending God" concept lies the notion of divine initiative. God's actions are not reactive; they are not a response to human pleas or needs, though they certainly address them. Instead, the self-sending God acts out of inherent divine love and grace, a spontaneous outpouring of being that transcends any human prompting. This initiative is crucial because it establishes God's absolute sovereignty and underscores the unmerited nature of divine favor. God chooses to reveal Himself, to interact with humanity, not because we deserve it, but because of the boundless nature of divine love.

This proactive nature of God is evident throughout religious narratives. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, the creation narrative itself exemplifies this self-sending nature. God, existing in perfect self-sufficiency, chooses to create the world, not out of need but out of an overflow of creative power and love. The subsequent covenants, promises, and interventions in human history all underscore this divine initiative, demonstrating a God who actively pursues relationship with humanity, despite our flaws and failings.

The Incarnation as the Ultimate Act of Self-Sending

The concept of God as a self-sending God finds its most profound expression in the Christian doctrine of the Incarnation – the belief that God became human in the person of Jesus Christ. This is arguably the most radical and dramatic illustration of divine self-giving. God, in all His infinite glory and power, emptied Himself (Philippians 2:7), assuming the limitations and vulnerabilities of human existence. This act transcends mere communication; it is a complete self-emptying, a total immersion of the divine within the human.

The Incarnation isn't a symbolic act; it's a profound reality that speaks volumes about the nature of God. It demonstrates a God who doesn't merely talk about love, but embodies it, suffers with it, and ultimately overcomes death through it. The Incarnation shatters any notion of a distant, uninvolved deity. It reveals a God who is deeply and personally invested in the human condition, a God who intimately understands our struggles and triumphs because He has shared them.

The Paradox of Divine Immanence and Transcendence

The Incarnation highlights the inherent paradox of the self-sending God: the simultaneous presence of divine immanence and transcendence. God, while fully God, is also fully human. This union of two seemingly incompatible natures is a mystery that defies human comprehension, yet it is precisely this paradox that underscores the depth and richness of the self-sending nature of God.

God's transcendence remains intact; His infinity and eternal nature are not diminished by His incarnation. Yet, His immanence is profoundly revealed through His humanity. He bridges the gap between the divine and the human, making the invisible visible, the infinite tangible, and the transcendent approachable. The Incarnation, therefore, is not a compromise of God's divine nature, but rather its ultimate expression of love and self-giving.

The Implications for Human Understanding of God

The understanding of God as a self-sending God has profound implications for our understanding of the divine nature and our relationship with God. It reshapes our theological perspectives, challenging anthropocentric interpretations of God and promoting a more accurate and nuanced appreciation of the divine character.

Challenging Anthropocentric Interpretations

Many interpretations of God are anthropocentric, projecting human qualities and limitations onto the divine. We may unconsciously imagine God as a magnified version of ourselves, reacting to events, judging based on our standards, and intervening only when we petition Him. The concept of a self-sending God, however, challenges this anthropocentric view. God's actions are not determined by our needs or requests; they originate from His own inherent nature and loving initiative. This understanding underscores the sovereignty of God and reinforces our dependence on His grace.

Redefining the Nature of Prayer and Worship

The self-sending nature of God also transforms our understanding of prayer and worship. While prayer and worship remain essential expressions of our faith and relationship with God, they are not seen as means of manipulating God or forcing His hand. Instead, they become opportunities to encounter the God who has already initiated the relationship, to respond to His love, and to participate in His ongoing work in the world. Prayer, therefore, is not primarily about getting our requests granted, but about aligning ourselves with God's will and participating in His self-sending mission.

The Practical Consequences for Faith and Life

The theological concept of the self-sending God holds significant practical consequences for faith and life, shaping our ethical actions, our communal relationships, and our personal response to God's grace.

Embracing the Mission of Self-Giving

The self-sending God calls us to emulate His self-giving nature. This means moving beyond self-centeredness and embracing a life of service and compassion. It requires us to actively seek opportunities to extend love and grace to others, mirroring God's initiative in reaching out to humanity. This call to self-giving isn't merely an optional add-on to faith; it's a fundamental expression of our response to God's self-sending love.

Cultivating Relationships Based on Divine Love

The self-sending God inspires us to cultivate relationships based on divine love, characterized by grace, forgiveness, and mutual respect. This contrasts with relationships driven by self-interest or power dynamics. Understanding God's initiative in loving us despite our flaws calls us to extend the same grace and forgiveness to others, fostering genuine community and reconciliation.

Responding to God's Grace with Gratitude and Obedience

Finally, the self-sending nature of God compels us to respond to His grace with gratitude and obedience. Recognizing that God's love is unmerited and freely given calls us to live lives of thanksgiving and faithful obedience to His will. This obedience is not a slavish adherence to rules, but rather a joyful response to the God who has shown such boundless love and grace.

Conclusion: A God Who Acts First

The concept of God as a self-sending God is a powerful and transformative theological idea. It challenges traditional anthropocentric views, redefines our understanding of prayer and worship, and profoundly impacts our ethical actions and relationships. Understanding God's initiative in revealing Himself, culminating in the ultimate act of self-giving in the Incarnation, compels us to respond with gratitude, obedience, and a life of self-giving love, mirroring the very nature of the God who first loved us. This understanding serves as a powerful foundation for a vibrant and meaningful faith, rooted in the transformative grace of a self-sending God. It's a reminder that God's love is not something we earn, but something we receive, and that our response to this love is to participate in the ongoing mission of God's self-giving in the world. This profound truth shapes our understanding of divinity, humanity, and the intricate dance between the two.