Monday, August 19, 2019

Pastor's Ponderings, August 19, 2019

God Loves Us Without Reservation

“Sometimes I feel like a motherless child.”  This is the title of a song dating back to slavery in America.  The song expressed pain and despair and demonstrates the hopelessness of a child who has been torn from her or his parents.  This song comes to mind when we heard about the article written by Mary Papenfuss in the August 17, 2019, Huffington Post.  The article was entitled, “Mississippi ICE Raids Separate Mom From Her Breastfeeding Baby Girl.”  The agony of the mother and the confusion of the child needing to be together must be overwhelming.

Just as that mother desperately wants to be with her child, God really wants to be with His children. God gave His only Son, Jesus, because of His love for us (John 3:16). Jesus went to die on the Cross-not because of obligation, but for the joy of it (Hebrews 12:2).  There is no love greater than to give one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13). Even though we disobey, disrespect, and dishonor Him to follow our own minds (Luke 22:15), He still loves us.

Many around the country are working tirelessly to reunite families such as this one.   Although we pray that this mother will be reunited with her child, we know that despite what happens, her love for her child will never end.  Just like her love will never stop, God’s love for us will never stop.  He said that He would never leave us or forsake us even though we go through horrible times (Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalms 23:4).  God still loves us. 

John 3:16
New International Version (NIV)
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Hebrews 12:2
New International Version (NIV)
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

John 15:13
New International Version (NIV)
13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Luke 22:15
New International Version (NIV)
15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.

Deuteronomy 31:6
New International Version (NIV)
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Psalm 23:4
New International Version (NIV)
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.




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