Scripture:
Starting Question:
What is the hardest decision you've ever had to make?
Romans 8:32
What is the hardest decision you've ever had to make?
Matchless Love
Those of you who know me, know I love animals. This metaphor comes from that love and yet is obscured into insignificance in comparison to the real love of God. I know this.
Children, imagine you have always had a puppy named Joey. You named her that when you were too young to know Joey is a boy’s name and a baby kangaroo. Joey has always been your companion and best friend. You do everything together and are never apart for more than a few hours.
For your most recent birthday, you received a beautiful little kitten. You named him Cat. You thought it was funny at the time because he was SOOOO small and it was funny to call such a tiny kitten, Cat. You love Cat and so does Joey. For months the three of you played, laughed and grew together.
Yesterday Cat disappeared. You and Joey found him, barely holding on to some rocks in the middle of a rushing stream. Cat could wash away at any minute and be gone. As you look for some solution, Joey barks and runs toward the water. You grab her collar, at the same time realising She is the only chance for Cat. Joey barks and fights your grip. You let go and she jumps in the water, swims to Cat and grabs him by the scruff of the neck.
Joey swims back, holding Cat high above the waves of the rushing river. You wade into the water and reach out. Your fingers grasp the furry little body of Cat and Joey lets go. Job done, Joey slows her pace and slips under the water.
You hold Cat tight against your warm body. He is cold and shaking but alive. Scanning the waters, you can't see Joey anywhere. Tears flow from you eyes as you hug Cat to your chest and stand shivering in the shallows.
Parents, imagine it wasn’t "Joey the Dog" who went in for the rescue but the child sitting next to you now.
As I write this, my heart aches. It hurts to write. I’ve almost deleted it numerous times. “I can’t publish this! It’s horrible!” And yet, it is nothing compared to the gift of God sending his Son so that we might live. They both knew the death that waited here.
And yet Father God sent His Son.
And Jesus came willingly.
Because
They
Love
Us.
Children, imagine you have always had a puppy named Joey. You named her that when you were too young to know Joey is a boy’s name and a baby kangaroo. Joey has always been your companion and best friend. You do everything together and are never apart for more than a few hours.
For your most recent birthday, you received a beautiful little kitten. You named him Cat. You thought it was funny at the time because he was SOOOO small and it was funny to call such a tiny kitten, Cat. You love Cat and so does Joey. For months the three of you played, laughed and grew together.
Yesterday Cat disappeared. You and Joey found him, barely holding on to some rocks in the middle of a rushing stream. Cat could wash away at any minute and be gone. As you look for some solution, Joey barks and runs toward the water. You grab her collar, at the same time realising She is the only chance for Cat. Joey barks and fights your grip. You let go and she jumps in the water, swims to Cat and grabs him by the scruff of the neck.
Joey swims back, holding Cat high above the waves of the rushing river. You wade into the water and reach out. Your fingers grasp the furry little body of Cat and Joey lets go. Job done, Joey slows her pace and slips under the water.
You hold Cat tight against your warm body. He is cold and shaking but alive. Scanning the waters, you can't see Joey anywhere. Tears flow from you eyes as you hug Cat to your chest and stand shivering in the shallows.
Parents, imagine it wasn’t "Joey the Dog" who went in for the rescue but the child sitting next to you now.
As I write this, my heart aches. It hurts to write. I’ve almost deleted it numerous times. “I can’t publish this! It’s horrible!” And yet, it is nothing compared to the gift of God sending his Son so that we might live. They both knew the death that waited here.
And yet Father God sent His Son.
And Jesus came willingly.
Because
They
Love
Us.
Reflection Question:
How does it feel to be loved so much by God?
Prayer time:
Before you pray together, ask: What would you like to say to Jesus today?
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