Our backyard has an area of semi-tropical plants that Bear loves to explore. He has beaten down a path through the philodendron, asparagus fern, tai, and ginger plants. In an effort to ease his passage through the jungle, I cut the lower leaves of the ginger plant.

When I took the leaves out for the trash pick-up, one of our resident lizards jumped amid the pile. Startled both of us.

Knowing what awaited him if he didn’t get out of the leaves, I tried to coax Mr. Lizard onto a leaf I held out to him. Not without much effort, I finally managed to get him to see the wisdom of my offer. He jumped onto the leaf. I carried him back, safely, to his home.

This whole incident got me thinking about all the times I fight the wisdom of the outstretched hands Jesus offers me. Hands which willing allowed spikes to be driven into them. For me. For you.

All through the Bible, instances of people who strained against God’s hand of discipline, guidance, and mercy are recorded. We allow Satan to kid us into believing we know more than our Creator does. Pride. Adam and Eve are the first who come to mind, and the first to suffer the consequences. Jesus knows what’s best for us. We need to trust him.

But, like Mr. Lizard, or Green Boy, as I call him, we hesitate. We are afraid to make a change. We’re pretty content with things the way they are. We trust our own limited wisdom, and believe we’ve hopped into the perfect surroundings. Unaware if we stay where we are, our final destination just might be the trash heap. With no hope of returning to the safety of home.

We need to stop fighting Christ’s offer of love and deliverance. Just as I’m sure Green Boy’s glad he didn’t refuse my help, and end up miles away in the landfill, I don’t want to refuse God’s help, and end up there, either. Do you?

Seek God while he’s here to be found, pray to him while he’s close at hand. Let the wicked abandon their way of life and their evil way of thinking. Let them come back to God, who is merciful, come back to our God, who is lavish with forgiveness. Isaiah 55:6 (MSG)

 

I wish you well.

Sandy

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