Thursday, October 20, 2016
One day, many years ago, I was asking my co-workers at the post office if anyone knew a reliable car mechanic who could fix the brakes on my car, the reason being that my experiences with national chain brake specialists made me lose confidence in them. One of them suggested I take my car to his dad, who just happened to live close to us. I took his advice so when I arrived at his dad’s backyard shop, I introduced myself and told him his son, Henry, had recommended him. When he replied: “Henry?” I said “Enrique.” Once again he asked: “Enrique?” I thought about it for a moment and then said: “Yes, Enrique, Cowboy.” This time he said: “Ohhhh, Cowboy!” Trying not to laugh out loud in the man’s presence, I thought it was a hilarious thing for a man not to quickly remember his own son’s name, but recognize him instantly by his nickname.
It brought to mind an illustration I use often about the man who was walking with his daughter and one of his friends joined them. His friend asked him, “By the way, what is your wife’s name?” The man thought about it for several seconds and then replied: “What do you call that pretty flower with many thorns that grows in bushes?” His friend said “Rose?” He nodded in agreement and turning to his daughter replied: “Hey Rose, what is your mom’s name?”
I was thinking about these things recently when I read Isaiah 49:15, where the Lord declared: “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” This message is quite clear: Though there are some exceptions, it is very unusual for a mother to forget her own children. Yet, even in the rare occasions when it happens, God is saying “I will never forget you!” David knew this truth as well; he knew that God’s love for him was even greater than the love of our earthly parents. That is why he wrote: “Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” (Psalm 27:10) It was his way of saying: “my mother and my father will never forget me, but even if they did, the Lord won’t. It is very possible for people we know, even our friends, to forget us. And it is even possible for our parents to forget us as well. What is not possible is for God to forget us. Can God forget you or the situation you are in today? Don’t even think about it!
God’s promise for today: (Deuteronomy 31:8) “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
