Scripture:
"For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
— Luke 19:10 (NASB)

Song Story: "Relentless" by Dennis Jernigan
"A film that has really resonated with me on a deep, emotional level is the 2009 masterpiece, Slumdog Millionaire. From the moment the opening credits rolled and that pulsing, rhythmic score filled the theater, I was captivated by the story unfolding before me."

These words from Dennis Jernigan describe how the film Slumdog Millionaire inspired his song "Relentless." What struck Dennis was not just the vivid portrayal of life in Mumbai, but the persistent, unwavering love of the main character, Jamal, as he sought to reunite with Latika, his childhood love.

As Jamal searches for Latika, who has been scarred by trauma and separation, Dennis saw a powerful parallel to his own relationship with the Lord. "I didn’t find God—He found me. I was the lost one, the wounded one, and yet His love pursued me relentlessly." Jamal’s pursuit of Latika mirrored the way God pursued Dennis throughout his life, especially during times of brokenness.

This moment of realization birthed the song "Relentless," which Dennis weaved into his album Sanctuary. The song reflects the all-consuming love of God—a love that chases after us, even when we feel too far gone or deeply scarred. Just as Jamal’s love for Latika was unwavering, God’s love for us is relentless. He refuses to let us go, seeking us out, healing our wounds, and restoring us to Himself.

Devotional:

God’s love for us is relentless. It doesn’t depend on our perfection or our ability to come to Him whole and unscathed. In fact, it is often in our brokenness and vulnerability that His love becomes most evident. Just as Jamal searched for Latika through all the chaos of their lives, God pursues us through the messiness of our existence, offering His unconditional love and grace.

Luke 19:10 reminds us that Jesus came to seek and save the lost. He doesn’t wait for us to have it all together. He meets us in our pain, in our sin, in our woundedness. His pursuit is tireless, and His love knows no bounds.

When Dennis reflected on the scene where Jamal kisses Latika’s scar, he was reminded of how God doesn’t shy away from our scars—whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual. God embraces us fully, scars and all, and His relentless love brings healing and restoration.

Perhaps you, too, have felt lost at times. You may carry the weight of past mistakes, the hurt of old wounds, or the burden of current struggles. But know this: God is pursuing you, even now. His love is relentless. It will not stop until you are safe in His arms, healed, and whole.

Reflection:

Where have you felt pursued by God in your life?
Think about the times when you felt distant from God. How did He draw you back? How did His love pursue you even when you tried to turn away?
What scars do you carry that need God's healing touch?
Whether they are physical or emotional, we all have scars. Spend time reflecting on how God can use your brokenness for His glory. Allow His relentless love to heal and restore you.
How can you respond to God's pursuit today?
God’s love is active, always seeking us out. In what ways can you turn toward Him more fully? Consider how you can embrace His love and allow it to transform you.

Prayer:

Lord, I am amazed by Your relentless love that pursues me no matter where I am or what I have done. Help me to recognize the ways You are seeking me and to respond with an open heart. Heal my wounds and use my scars as testimonies of Your grace. Thank You for never giving up on me and for always loving me through every season. Amen.

Application:

Respond to His Love:
Take time this week to reflect on how God has pursued you. Write down specific moments in your life where you felt His love pulling you closer to Him.
Embrace Your Scars:
Like Latika’s scar in Slumdog Millionaire, your scars are part of your story. Share your testimony with someone who may need to hear how God’s relentless love has healed and restored you.
Listen to the Song:
As you listen to "Relentless" by Dennis Jernigan, let the message of God’s unyielding pursuit wash over you. Meditate on the ways His love continues to seek and save the lost, and how it has touched your life.