Sun 9:30a Class; 10:30a Worship; 11:35a Communion
Bible Bites
Who Could Forget?
“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?” (Isa. 49:15a)
The simple answer is, “No.” There may be exceptions, but they are indeed scarce. The bon between a woman and her children is one of life’s most adamantine emotional connections. A mother’s instincts to care for and protect her children often even mirror the animal kingdom’s ferocity—to the point that we call it “mother bear” behavior. She will even put herself at risk for the sake of showing compassion on the son of her womb.
Our familiarity with this picture may be one reason the Holy Spirit uses it to describe God’s attachment to his people. The rest of Isaiah 49:15 says, “Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.”
By all reckoning, God should have no reason to talk about humans like that. Yet, in both testaments, he displays high regard, deep compassion, tender love, and even ferocious protection for his people.
Sometimes, we can slip into thinking that God merely tolerates humanity. The infamous sermon, “Sinners In the Hands of An Angry God,” would have us believe that God is loathe even to interact with us by virtue of our being fleshly beings. Even today, believers often speak of God’s favor as something far from our reach and difficult to attain.
How refreshing is it to hear God’s own perspective on his care for us? Even the affection of a mother for her children do not equal the yearning God has for us. God speaks of his people—in both testaments—as his children. Jesus even said, “how often I would have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings.” (Matt. 23:37)
In case you ever wonder if you are loved and appreciated by someone, know for certain that God will not forget you. His love for you will never fade.
