Story Is that bull safe

Hold me.

The ministerial student was home on spring break and walking his farm girl
sweetheart down a country lane on a beautiful spring afternoon. He was
explaining how he was growing in faith and learning to trust God more for
his safety.

Ignoring his philosophic meanderings, she cooed, "Look at the pretty flowers
in the field." At that the young man, (trying to impress her), jumped over
the fence to pick some of the flowers for her. Just then he spotted a huge,
mean looking bull a short distance away. "Is that bull safe?" the boy asked
his girl. "Yes," she replied, "I'd say he's a lot safer than you are right
now."

Who do you trust when the unexpected comes your way in life threatening your
safety? Did you expect to be involved in sin? Did you expect to be separated
from God? Did you expect to be in a place of danger or a place of
uncertainty in your life?

There is an old song called, Safe in the arms of Jesus that has these words
of comfort: "Safe in the arms of Jesus, Safe on His gentle breast; There by
His love o'ershaded, Sweetly my soul shall rest." In the second verse it
continues: "Safe in the arms of Jesus, Safe from corroding care, Safe from
the world's temptations; Sin cannot harm me there."

How many of us know the comfort of being held in someone's arms. How many
times has your spouse just wanted to be held, or perhaps your children or
grandchildren wanted to snuggle in your arms? It's a special connection
isn't it?

In Luke 15 we have a wonderful story of a young man who thought he had his
life planed out and suddenly awakened to the face that he was no longer
safe, he was alone, separated from his family and his security. He decides
to admit his mistakes and go back to that place of safety. We read in Luke
15:20, "And he got up and went to his father. But while he was still far
away, his father saw him and was moved with pity for him and went quickly
and took him in his arms and gave him a kiss."

The father in the story represents God and the young man represents anyone
in the world who has left him and wants to go home again. God takes him in
his arms and gives his safety, comfort and love. Is there an unexpected
bull in the field where you are standing or are you in a safe place? Could
it be that it is time to go home to God the Father and be held in his arms
of safety?

Another hymn comes to mind and its words carry a tremendous message. "Why do
you wait, dear brother, Oh, why do you tarry so long?... What do you hope,
dear brother, to gain by a further delay? There's no one to save you but
Jesus, There's no other way but His way." Maybe it's time to ask Jesus to
hold you, what do you think?

Russ Lawson