In the famous parable about the father with two sons (Luke 15), we read about how the father pursues each of them. When the prodigal son returns the father sees him and runs out to meet him. What a heart warming picture of a loving father eager to welcome back his wayward son. Later in the story, the older son is unhappy and refuses to enter into the celebration. What does the father do? Same thing. He goes out and pursues his son and pleads with him. These are pictures of how God deals with us.

God pursues rebellious people who have been far away
God pursues religious people who have been far away.

What a God we serve! He loves us and chases after us.