It’s a relentless and determined love. Francis Thompson’s (1859–1907) famous poem calls it “the Hound of Heaven,” evoking the imagery of a well-trained dog (hound) pursuing its prey with undeviating tenacity—until it wins. Alluding to the poem, Ken McFarland explains God’s determined love: “You can ignore Him days without number. You can reject Him. You can deny that He exists. You can mock and ridicule and curse Him. You can claim His name but play the Devil’s game. You can be ashamed of Him. You can hate Him bitterly. You can run away from Him. You can pledge your allegiance to His greatest enemy. You can squander on your own gratification all His gifts to you. You can defy Him. You can portray Him to others as severe and ruthless and uncaring. You can shut Him totally out of your life. You can blame Him for all the evil in your world. You can whip Him till He bleeds and spit on Him and nail Him to a cross and laugh while He dies of a broken heart. You can do all this. But one thing you can never do. You can never make Him stop loving you. Never.” In sin, you may try to run away or hide from Him. But God’s determined love will not let you go. “The Hound of Heaven” will relentlessly pursue you—until you make it to Heaven (Romans 8:31-39; John 3:16; 14:1-3).—Samuel Koranteng-Pipim
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SAMUEL KORANTENG-PIPIM,PH.D. , is a US-based Ghanaian author, inspirational speaker, leadership trainer, and an advocate for youth empowerment. He was trained in engineering and systematic theology, and has authored more than twenty books. They include his bestselling works Hope Through the Dark, Six More Chances, Healed Wounds but Ugly Scars, and Patience in the Midst of Trials and Afflictions. Dr. Pipim currently directs two Centers for Leadership Development known as EAGLES (Empowerment & Advisory Group for Leadership, Excellence, & Service) and ANANSE (African Network & Advisory for Needed Services & Excellence). www.EAGLESonline.org. He also serves as a special consultant on Bible projects for Remnant Publications. 