I recently saw the bumper sticker in the shape of a dog paw that says, “Who rescued who?”
I read this and thought, “What a ridiculous question.” I understand what they are trying to say and agree that pets are amazing but me being me my brain started thinking about our relationship with God after seeing this sticker.
Let me explain.
Humans rescue animals from shelters and various places. Why? Because they care
Was it something the animal did that they rescued it? No. People are willing to pay the adoption fee to set the animal “free.” Then that dog will go to their house, poop everywhere, chew up everything, and shed on their couch to show their appreciation. What does the new owner do? Just keeps loving it.
We are stuck in the “shelter.” We can’t rescue ourselves from the penalty of sin and death. Then one day God rescues us from our old way of life. He paid the “fee” through the sacrifice of His Son so we could be set free. In return we mock, turn our backs on Him and just do what we want instead of obeying Him. Some will repent, accept this new life, and experience the freedom found in following God.
Others will do as Peter describes, “Like a dog that returns to his vomit.” They would choose to live in the cage of their sin rather than experience freedom by choosing to submit to God’s will for their life.
It is only because of God that we are rescued from our sin and for that He deserves our worship.