Then Jesus told them this parable: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not 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. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. Luke 15:3-7
As I was doing my bible study this morning I read this scripture in Luke 15 and although I have read this many times, heard it referenced over and over, a picture of safety came to my mind fresh and strong today. I have been studying the parent reference to God as our Heavenly Father and what that truly represents has flooded my mind with images and memories of my own father, grandfather and my husband.
The words "he joyfully puts it on his shoulders" brought to mind the first time my family went to Walt Disney World when I was a child. I remember feeling swallowed up by the crowd because I was only 5 or maybe 6 at the time. I was so excited, but the fact that I could not see past or through the crowd scared me. I tried to stay close to my Dad because he was big, not only in my little eyes, but he was a very tall man. He represented safety to me. I knew he would not let me get lost.
I remember standing in line for a ride and I couldn't see what was going on as we waited and waited. Then, all of the sudden my Dad picked me up and put me on his shoulders. I felt safe and secure there. I could see all around because I was above all the hustle and bustle of the crowd and I could feel that my Dad had a firm secure grip on me. Now, I know in my childhood my father had most likely picked me up like this before, and I do remember my grandfather doing the same thing. I always felt safe and supported. It never frightened me to be on their shoulders. I knew they would not let me go. But this particular time I remember the relief I felt and the joy of being able to see from a new perspective.
My husband also did the same thing with our daughter, Krysten, when she was little. When we went to crowded places like Disney or King's Island or anywhere that we were afraid we could lose track of her, he often would pick her up and put her on his shoulders. She would giggle and beam because she could see and she didn't have to walk. But we would be happy because we knew she was safe. I understand now from my Dad's viewpoint why he would pick me up. It was out of love and his desire to protect me.
I can only imagine that God, my Heavenly Father, would feel the same way. He searched for me, waited for me and found me. He picked me up and joyfully put me on His shoulders and carried me. I believe also that this was not a one time thing. When I feel lost, alone or confused, when I call out to Him to help me, to save me, to guide me because I am scared, He still picks me up and puts me on His broad strong shoulders. He lifts me above the crowd and confusion giving me a sense of safety and security. He gives me a new perspective on whatever my dilemma is. He shows me a new path from a new vantage point. And best of all, He has a firm secure grip on me and will never let me go. He does this because he LOVES me and does not want me to ever be or feel lost again!
Thank you Jesus for your love and your mercy. Thank you for picking us up when we need it. Thank you for holding tightly to us even when we don't hold tightly to you. Thank you for being our Abba, Father, our Daddy! Amen.
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