"This website uses cookies." Have you ever encountered that on your computer while searching for something? Maybe you've seen it as you were browsing social media or shopping for something online?
If not, eventually you will. I had seen that notice before many times, and never really thought anything about it. I've clicked accept before, and then I've declined and left the page a few times too.
After seeing it again today, I decided it was time to find out what the "cookies" were all about.
As I understand it, a "cookie" is simply a text file that saves your "user data" when you log in to a certain page online. It's used to gather information from your computer so that when you return to the same page later, you can automatically log in and that website can interact with you based on your history.
If you are confused, hang in there. It's not as complicated as you think. You are simply allowing someone else to learn what you like, and then remember you later. Those "cookies" are a far cry from the chocolate chip kind that you used to take to the new neighbor in town.
That's how we got to know people in the "old days." We baked some cookies and dragged the kids down the street to meet the new family on the block. We found out who they were and what they liked, and we made a new friend. It was that simple.
Computer cookies are the modern equivalent. I imagine that whoever came up with this way of interaction, understood the benefits of knowing and remembering someone. In a sense, these "cookies" put you on a personal level.
If you think about the Lord in this manner, I guess you could say that God's got your cookies! A silly metaphor?
Yes, but true nonetheless. Just think about it. From before you were even created, God loved you. He planned your life from the very moment of conception to the very last beat of your heart. He knows your likes, dislikes, mannerisms, and personality. He created every single cell that makes up the unique creation that you are and numbered every single hair on your head.
That's some serious cookies! He's gone to great lengths to know everything about you inside and out. But just knowing you was not enough for the Lord. He remembered you too.
As Jesus was being crucified, scripture says that “He himself bore OUR sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness;"(1 Peter 2:23)
In remembering his great love for us, he was willing to die so that we might be saved. But that's not the end of the Lord's great love. For in John 14:2-3, Jesus says, "In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14:2-3)
God has created us, God knows us, God remembers us, and God loves us...
