God's Superfluent Mercies!

Hosea 11:3 I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For so many years, I grew up hearing the stories of Ma, dragging her two eldest grands to church at 5 am. Daily Mass, and daily dragging out of their beds and the memories of my father were keen on this subject, until he died. He cried and described his feet hitting the ground only occasionally, as Ma and big sister, Lorraine held him, half aloft and half walking to daily mass. I giggled at the thought of this huge and massive man, having been little enough to be drug to church. I see Ephraim in this today. I see Ephraim, the Grandchild of the Lord, except, God has no grand or great grand children. God's compassion and drawing is upon Ephraim, although he is drawn kicking and screaming into conformity. We know that in Christ, we are cleansed and brought into communion through the blood of Jesus. But, as my father drew away from God's face and presence, because of feeling like an orphaned grandchild of God. It is God's Healing Mercy that wakes us and draggs us into desired communion with Him.

The Unbounded Love of God

We saw a bunny outside our back door. The was, certainly, an unusual sight for us. Eldest son, Enoch leaped outside, at his mother’s focus, to bring the bunny a carrot and to try to catch the elusive sight, in our neighborhood, on camera. {How positively, “ghetto” of us, I am sure} Littlest Walker boy bounded after big brother with carrot and bare feet. I am yelling, why no shoes. Father Walker reminds me, they are boys, this is their initiation, if they cut their feet. Oh, I realize that this is feminine of me, to be worried about the skin on their feet when there is footage to run. {Another “Charrette” moment} I must consume myself about other things at such times, I must remember that they are little wanderers and this is their little world. Their earthly dominion, so to speak.

In meditation of the Lord being our shepherd, that the pastor directed us, this interjection of natural revelation afforded me a solemn opportunity to see God’s dealings with me. Sometimes, I can identify with the bunny, far more than a sheep. How often, like that bunny, I hop into God’s presence and then away, before receiving the blessing of God’s provision for me. The thought that he cares enough, as my boys did, to run out of the door, barefooted to get that carrot to me, was endearing to me about my precious Lord. He who cares for the birds and the wildlife and gives provision to them as well as myself, also provides beautiful snapshots of His love in the relationships that we are involved in. Jehovah-Jireh, my provider, I bask in your presence and thank you for the opportunity to enter into your presence before I start my day. Give, I pray yourself in relationship, far more than the carrot, that is in Your hand; Because of the sacrifice of Christ. Amen.