Because God Is A Self Sending God

Because God is a Self-Sending God: Exploring the Paradox of Divine Intimacy and Transcendence

The concept of God, particularly within Abrahamic faiths, presents a fascinating paradox: God is both utterly transcendent, existing beyond our comprehension, and intimately involved in the world, even dwelling within us. This paradox is beautifully encapsulated in the idea of God as a "self-sending God." This notion, while not explicitly stated in scripture in a single, concise phrase, emerges from a careful theological consideration of divine attributes, actions, and relationships with humanity. This article will explore this profound concept, examining the biblical and theological foundations, addressing potential objections, and ultimately revealing the implications of a God who actively chooses to engage with creation.

The Transcendence of God: Beyond Human Understanding

Before delving into the self-sending nature of God, it's crucial to acknowledge God's transcendence. God is not simply a powerful being among others; God exists beyond the limitations of the created order. This transcendence is emphasized throughout scripture. Isaiah 55:9 states, "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." This isn't a claim of superiority, but rather a declaration of qualitative difference. God's existence is outside the realm of our limited human understanding. We can't fully grasp God's nature, purposes, or actions. To attempt to define God entirely within human terms is inherently reductive.

The Immensity of Divine Attributes

God's transcendence is manifested in the vastness of God's attributes: omnipotence (all-powerful), omniscience (all-knowing), omnipresence (everywhere present), and omnibenevolence (all-good). These attributes, while often discussed separately, are interconnected and point to a being fundamentally beyond human comprehension. The sheer scale of God's power, knowledge, and goodness dwarfs human experience, emphasizing the vast chasm that separates the created and the Creator.

The Immanence of God: God's Active Engagement with Creation

Despite God's transcendence, a central tenet of many theological traditions is God's immanence – God's active presence and involvement in the world. This is not a diminishment of God's transcendence, but rather a revelation of God's active choice to engage with creation. God does not remain aloof and distant; God interacts, intervenes, and reveals Godself to humanity.

God's Covenant with Humanity

The Old Testament narratives are replete with examples of God's immanence. The covenant relationship between God and Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the Israelites is a prime example. God makes promises, establishes laws, and directly interacts with the chosen people. This isn't a detached, impersonal relationship, but a deeply personal and active engagement. God's presence is often described as a tangible, experienced reality, as in the burning bush encounter with Moses (Exodus 3).

The Incarnation: God's Ultimate Act of Self-Sending

The Christian faith further emphasizes God's immanence through the doctrine of the Incarnation—the belief that God became fully human in the person of Jesus Christ. This is the ultimate expression of God's self-sending nature. God, in the fullness of the divine nature, chose to enter into human history, to experience human life, and to ultimately offer salvation. This act of self-emptying (kenosis, as described in Philippians 2) demonstrates the depth of God's commitment to creation and humanity.

The Paradox Resolved: Transcendence and Immanence in Harmony

The apparent paradox between God's transcendence and immanence is not a contradiction but a profound mystery that reveals the depth and complexity of the divine nature. God, by definition, transcends our understanding, yet chooses to reveal Godself and act within the created order. This choice, this act of self-sending, is the resolution of the paradox. It is a demonstration of God's grace, love, and commitment to creation.

The Self-Sending God as a Relational Being

The concept of a self-sending God underscores the relational nature of God. God is not a solitary, self-sufficient being; God desires fellowship and communion. The act of self-sending is an act of love, an initiative of grace extended to humanity. It reveals God's desire for a relationship with the creation, even in light of the inherent limitations and flaws of that creation.

The Holy Spirit: Continuing the Work of Self-Sending

The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity in Christian theology, continues the work of self-sending. The Spirit is the presence of God within believers, empowering them to live out their faith and fostering a deep relationship with God. The Spirit's work in the world is a continuation of God's ongoing engagement with humanity, an extension of the self-sending initiative that began with the Incarnation.

Addressing Potential Objections

The concept of a self-sending God, while profound and beautiful, may raise some objections. Some might argue that it compromises God's transcendence, implying a limitation or vulnerability on God's part. Others might question the consistency of divine immutability (unchangeableness) with the dynamic act of self-sending.

Transcendence Uncompromised: The Initiative of Love

The self-sending nature of God does not imply a weakening of God's transcendence. Rather, it reveals the depth and freedom of God's love. God chooses to engage with creation, not because God needs to, but because of God's inherent love and desire for relationship. This act is an expression of God's power, not a limitation of it.

Immutability and Dynamic Action: A Harmony of Attributes

The apparent tension between God's immutability and the dynamic act of self-sending can be resolved by understanding immutability not as static unchangingness but as unchanging in essence. God's unchanging love and commitment to creation are expressed through various actions, including the self-sending act. God’s nature remains consistent, yet God freely chooses to act in the world in diverse and dynamic ways.

Implications for Faith and Practice

Understanding God as a self-sending God has profound implications for our faith and practice. It necessitates a humility that recognizes our limited understanding of God's nature and actions. It fosters a sense of awe and wonder at the grace and love of a God who chooses to engage with flawed humanity.

A Life of Response to Divine Initiative

Recognizing God's self-sending initiative calls for a life of response. We are called to live in gratitude for God's love and to actively participate in God's work in the world. This includes acts of service, compassion, and justice, reflecting the self-giving nature of God in our own lives.

Deepening Our Relationship with God

The self-sending nature of God fosters a deeper relationship between God and humanity. It invites us into a communion with the divine, fostering a love and trust that transcends human limitations. This relationship is characterized by intimacy, vulnerability, and a shared journey of love and growth.

A Renewed Sense of Purpose and Mission

Understanding God's self-sending nature provides a renewed sense of purpose and mission. We are not merely passive recipients of divine grace, but active participants in God's ongoing work in the world. We are called to be agents of love, justice, and reconciliation, reflecting the self-sending nature of God in our actions and interactions with the world.

Conclusion: Embracing the Mystery of a Self-Sending God

The concept of God as a self-sending God is a profound theological mystery that invites us to engage with the depth and complexity of the divine nature. It resolves the apparent paradox between God's transcendence and immanence, revealing a God who is both beyond our comprehension and intimately involved in our lives. Embracing this concept leads to a deeper understanding of God's love, a renewed commitment to faith, and a life lived in response to God's self-giving initiative. It is a call to participate in the ongoing work of a God who has chosen, freely and lovingly, to engage with creation. This understanding calls for humility, gratitude, and a profound commitment to living a life that reflects the self-sacrificing love of a self-sending God.