Friday, February 12, 2016
I am glad to communicate with you once again after a three-day absence and would like to share with you today the topic we covered in our Spanish Bible class this past Wednesday. Since all of you are familiar with the Charlie Brown cartoon, you know who Linus is. He is almost always depicted carrying around a rag, towel, or blanket while sucking on his thumb. When I asked what that showed about him, one member quickly and correctly pointed out that it was a picture of insecurity. I think you’ve all known children who need to hold on to a teddy bear, toy, or even a towel like Linus. Could that be one reason that some blankets or scarves are called “comforters”?
To a certain degree, I think all human beings need to hold on to something at one time or another. If you’ve ever ridden in a city bus where no seats are available, what is the first thing you look for and reach out to? Right, something to hold on to. Speaking of that, did I ever tell you about the lady who once hopped on a packed city bus and had to stand although there were several men nearby who were sitting down? She remarked to other standees, “The problem nowadays is that there are no gentlemen in the world anymore. One of the fellows who was sitting down immediately replied, “No ma’am, the real problem is that there are no empty seats.” Back to our topic, holding on to something gives people comfort and a sense of security. Knowing this, after He announced to His Disciples that He would soon go back to the Father, Jesus told them: “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” (John14:18) He was referring to the Holy Spirit who would be with them forever.
Many people in the world may need a blanket, teddy bear, or some kind of lucky charm to give them some comfort and assurance, but the only One who can give us a genuine and lasting feeling of comfort and assurance, is the One who lives inside of us. What a great joy it is to be able to hold on to God’s hand. Greater still, what a comfort it is to know that God’s hand is always holding on to ours.
Memory verse for the week: (Jesus prayer to the Father, John 17:9) “I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours
