We went to Chuck E Cheese last week with some friends. In the play area there was this cute little school bus with three windows. As soon as I saw it I thought it would be perfect for a picture of my three boys. And I tried the entire time to get a picture of them, but with the complications of my slowly dying iPhone and the difficulty of getting 3 young boys to look at you each through their own little window and smile all at the same time it just wasn’t working.
But then a friend of mine’s sweet little girl popped into the window and I got the picture. Chico wasn’t cooperating at that moment and she happily took his place. But regardless of how adorable she is, the picture just isn’t the same without Chico. And although she did the job, she couldn’t replace him.
It’s the same in the kingdom of God. The Lord has a place and calling for each one of us, but if we choose disobedience we will be replaced. Like Judas. But just as the picture seems to have an empty space without Chico and I feel his absence when I look at it, the Lord also feels our absence when we are not walking in His plan. Because he doesn’t want to lose even one of us.
I love how soft His heart is towards us, His children.
With the help of my friend I did eventually get the picture I was hoping for. Well more or less.
Then they prayed, “You, O God, know every one of us inside and out. Make plain which of these two men you choose to take the place in this ministry and leadership that Judas threw away in order to go his own way.” They then drew straws. Matthias won and was counted in with the eleven apostles.
Acts 1:24-26
Your Father in heaven feels the same way. He doesn’t want to lose even one of these simple believers.
Matthew 18:14
8 comments
Denise says:
January 19, 2012 at 1:25 am (UTC -6 )
Such a sweet post.
Deb Chitwood says:
January 19, 2012 at 1:54 am (UTC -6 )
It’s always an interesting experience trying to get young children to pose for photos! I love that you used the experience to find a message for each of us. Lovely thought-provoking post, Christy.
Rebecca says:
January 19, 2012 at 6:02 am (UTC -6 )
So true…choosing disobedience….so many don’t think of it as ‘choosing’ because we have become so accustomed to blaming our behavior (or lack of character or obedience) on others….love your new update on the blog!
Rosann says:
January 19, 2012 at 8:25 am (UTC -6 )
What a cute picture. What stood out to me most in your message is when you mention how gentle God is with His children – me included. I’m far from perfect and feel like I’m always disobeying in some form or another. Yet He still loves me and He still pours His blessings over me. I love that!
Blessings to you,
~Rosann
Christina says:
January 19, 2012 at 10:05 am (UTC -6 )
Oh how often I have tried to get my kids in a picture:) Great analogy. Thanks for sharing this. Enjoyed visiting from WLW.
Pamela says:
January 19, 2012 at 11:19 pm (UTC -6 )
A wonderful analogy. I choose obedience — I want to fill my own place in God’s Kingdom.
Joan says:
January 21, 2012 at 10:41 am (UTC -6 )
This is a wonderful analogy. I want to be obedient to His calling for my life.
Thank you for linking up at The Grace Cafe.
Blessings,
Joan
Jennifer says:
January 21, 2012 at 12:11 pm (UTC -6 )
I love those pictures! I am so thankful that God pursues each one of us, not desiring that any should be lost or stray from the path He has laid out for us. Thank you for the reminder!