When we use the expression, “He’s out to get you,” it always has a negative connotation…. unless we’re using it with a young child.

One of Emerald’s favorite games is for me to reach my arms toward her and say, “I’m gonna get-chu!”

Then, with tiny footsteps, I’ll “chase” her across the room while she runs as fast as her little legs will carry her. She giggles and squeals, looking over her shoulder to be sure I’m still coming, and when I finally grab her, she throws her head back in pure pleasure, happy to have been “gotten.”

Long ago Pastor Colin Smith described God doing his own version of “get-chu.” He started with the example of a mother calling her children to dinner. As she projects her voice toward the family room she says, “Come to the table, kids. Dinner’s ready!”

But, busy with other things, they might not respond. So she calls a second time. Maybe a third. Finally, she leaves the kitchen and literally goes and gets them.

God calls to us much like that mother, but we’re often so wrapped up in doing other things that we don’t move in his direction. Even if we do hear him, we might not come. Thankfully, though, he often decides he’s just going to “go and get” us.

In the Gospels Jesus tells a story that matches this model. A shepherd watching over 100 sheep leaves the 99 to “go and get” the one who’s lost. How amazing to realize the fervency of his love for each of us.

I love playing “get-chu” with Emerald. It’s interesting, though, that something strange happens just before I nab her. As I’m getting close, she whirls around to face me and then throws herself into my arms. Every time.

Why is this? Is the suspense of being caught so strong she can’t wait? Or is the anticipated hug so appealing she wants it “now?” Or is there a twinge of nervousness in the chase that prompts her to check again that grandma still loves her?

Whatever the reason, I hope if I’m ever running from God that as I sense he’s coming to get me, I’ll turn and run straight into him. Or maybe I’ll do what Emerald sometimes does, initiating a round of “get-chu.” She’ll say, “MeeMee, I’m gonna get-chu!” and then she’ll turn and run away. What she really means is, “You come and get me!”

I believe that’s in the heart of all of us. We want a closeness to God but often don’t know how to get there. “If only he’d come and get me,” we think.

The good news is, if we really want him to, he will.

Jesus said, “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home.” (Luke 15:4-6)