Romeo

Last night I was sitting on the couch reading and Romeo, our yellow lab, came over and was staring at me. He usually does this when he needs to go out or when he wants a treat or when he wants water. All of those things had been done already and yet there he was staring. That could only mean one thing. He wanted to snuggle. He is too big for the couch so that means that I sit on the floor with my back up against the couch and then he sits next to me for a few seconds and then he slides down next to me. I can pretty much rub his belly and massage his ears and snuggle. I said out loud. pretty nice life for you Romeo in a squeaky little voice like I was talking in baby talk. He just licked me.

It was true. He is fed and watered. He is warm. He gets treats. He has a comfy big pillow to sleep on. All his needs are met and then some. He gets regular snuggles. But then I said, “What if you were a stray dog? Living out in the wild? In this cold wind and snowy rain. Hunting for your food. What a different life that would be, huh?” And then he licked me again.

I thought this was a little like being a believer. Our heavenly Father cares for us every day. Making sure we have food, water, shelter and so on. Matthew 6.28-31 and Matthew 10.26-31. Of course those passages have way deeper meanings but on the surface we are cared for by God. But what about those who are not believers? Are they like animals out in the wilderness? Yes of course God provides for animals in nature as Matthew 10 teaches but how bleak for any human to live a life separated from God when He has provided the means necessary for our salvation, our reconciliation, our restoration into being members of His household with all the blessings and benefits thereof. Is there someone you could call in from the cold today by sharing the Gospel with them and inviting them repent and believe?