“Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, ‘Where are you?' So he said, ‘I heard Your voice in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.’ And He said, ‘Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?’” Genesis 3:9-11. (NKJV).
“Timmy?” Grandfather called his grandson.
Silence.
He searched his favorite places. Eyebrows furrowed, he walked into the guest bedroom.
Did the bed skirt move?
He got down on his knees, lifted it.
“Why're you hiding, son?” Timmy scooted to the other side of the bed, large blue eyes glistening, his lips trembling.
“Cause I’m bad. And. And I’m scared.”
On his stomach, Grandfather wiggled under the bed, joined Timmy. He looked around. “Good hiding place, huh? Kind of dark.” Timmy nodded.
“Want to tell me why you think you’re bad and scared?”
“’Cause he said so.”
“Who told you that you were bad?” Grandfather touched Timmy’s hand. “It’s okay, son. Tell me.”
"Mr. Sims. Said I'd ruined his flowers."
“Did you?”
Timmy shook his head. "I didn’t, Grandfather.” Tears streaked his cheeks. Grandfather nodded, hugged him.
Timmy shook his head. "I didn’t, Grandfather.” Tears streaked his cheeks. Grandfather nodded, hugged him.
Later, Grandfather pulled Timmy beside him on the sofa. "Son, we need to talk. You know I love you?" Timmy nodded. "The Lord Jesus loves you more and promises to be with you--"
"Me?" He put his hand over his heart. "Even when I'm scared and hide?"
"Always and forever. The problem is we have an enemy who doesn't want us to believe God. He tells us we're bad and not good enough for God to love. So--we hide." Timmy nodded.
"But the good news is God loves us so much He comes to find us--"
"Like you did, Grandfather?" Timmy sat up, a smile brightening his face.
"Yes, son. The Lord Jesus loves His children and wants us to know He'll never leave us." Timmy leaned against his grandfather, smiled.
"I'm so glad."
"Me, too, son. Me, too."
Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus loves me with an everlasting love and promises never to leave nor forsake me. He promises the same to you. Where are You? Won’t you come to Him?
I couldn't help but think about the earful "Mr. Sims" got from Timmy's grandfather. Maybe I'm projecting a bit here. Another great parable Ms. Marjorie. Thank you ma'am. I see a book title here "Papaw's Parables" or "Grandparent Parables" since grandmother gets a guest appearance now and again. :-)
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