THE BOARDING PASS

In Matthew 26:31-32, we read: “Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.’”

“Timmy, hold on to your boarding pass. Go to gate 7, wait for me there.”

“Grandfather, look at all the people. How if I get lost?”

Grandfather turned him in the direction of Gate 7. “The sign for your gate is up ahead. See it? Go there and wait for me.”

“Yessir.” Timmy started towards the gate. “A toy store. Have plenty of time to check it out." He entered, looked for his favorite candy. On a display in the back, he saw model airplanes. Then he noticed stuffed animals. “I’ll buy a gift for my cousin.”

An announcement blared. “Timothy Scott. Please come to Gate 7. Your party is waiting for you.” His head snapped up. The candy, the airplanes, the stuffed animals--forgotten. He hurried to the gate.

“Where have you been?” Grandfather hands fisted on his hips. "You scared me. I thought...it doesn’t matter what I thought.” He smiled. “I’m glad you’re safe. Got your boarding pass?”

He searched his backpack, his face turning white. “Probably dropped it in the store.” Grandfather gabbed his hand to retrace his steps. “Here. It was in this zipper pocket.” He took a deep breath.

After boarding, Timmy said. “I’m sorry, Grandfather. I thought I had plenty of time.”

“Son, there’ll be times in life when you wander into places along the way. I want you to remember that no matter where life leads you, you’ll always belong to the Lord Jesus.

“But what I did was bad.”

“Did doing good things save you?” Timmy shook his head. “Well, if your goodness didn’t save you, then your badness can’t lose you. The Lord Jesus bought you, paid for your boarding pass with His shed blood on the cross. He knew you would stumble, but He’s waiting.”

“Like you waited for me, Grandfather?” Grandfather nodded, hugged his precious grandson.

Kingdom Thinking. No matter how far I stray or stumble, The Shepherd of the flock knows where I am. He promises never to leave nor forsake me. He loves me with an everlasting love. He offers the same to you. Won’t you come?