Then Jesus said, "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (NLT)
Mama bear and baby bear
It was a quiet, peaceful autumn day. The amber rays of sunshine glistened on the apple orchard. Bright red shiny apples hung from the branches. Truly there was an abundant harvest.
I paused for a moment to look out the bedroom window and enjoy the tranquil scene. How quietly it all happened. First the spring came and brought fragrant apple blossoms. Then the heat of summer offered an ideal temperature for the apples to grow and flourish. Gentle rains refreshed the thirsty trees and made the apples plump and juicy. Now autumn colours abounded and the harvest was flourishing.
Across the road, next to the orchard, a small form became visible. Soon I realized that it was a mother bear. She cautiously crossed the road. Then four little furry cubs followed.
She led them to the luxurious restaurant (apple trees) where she knew they'd enjoy the treat. But one little bear was not cautious. He raced carelessly across the road, not heading the warnings to be careful and alert. People and cars could be harmful to him.
I was amazed to see how she handled the situation. With one large swat from her paw, she smacked the little bear. Although he was momentarily stunned, he was not hurt. Most important, he got the message, "be careful. This could be dangerous", and he heeded the warning. He understood that his mother only had his safety in mind. One day she would not be supervising his walks and meals. He would have to know how to survive on his own. Running out into traffic was not safe. Entering a dangerous situation needed wisdom and protection. He changed his behavior and was safe from going a way that would harm him.
So it is with our Heavenly Father. He wants us to be safe. We need to learn what is safe. Sometimes we are careless or choose to do unwise things. We may need to be corrected so that we will not be destroyed or harmed. Whom He loves He corrects.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Tim.3: 16
And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as His children? He said, "My child, don't make light of the LORD's discipline, and don't give up when He corrects you. Heb. 12:5
