“Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders.” Deut. 33:12
Heavenly Father, I’ve never taken the time to let this image sink in… settle into my heart… and take over. Why would we ever look for rest anywhere else? Why is it so difficult to believe you are this involved in our lives and struggles?
Because of Jesus’ finished work for us, I don’t doubt that I belong to you—for Jesus bore our sin and robed us in his righteousness. But day in and day out… hour to hour… normal busyness to frantic drivenness, mild “hiccup” to major crisis, it’s easy to take you for granted—to think less of you than you deserve, and less often than is good for our hearts. But this Scripture is grabbing my attention this morning like an artesian spring of grace breaking through the dry ground of my thirst.
What an image… “resting between your shoulders”—there’s two ways this is stunning, timely, and freeing to me, Abba. Sometimes I just need to be carried on your back—resting between your shoulders, not as a burden, but as your child. Thank you for not despising our weakness and weariness. You say to each of your daughters and sons: “Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save” (Isa.46:4). This is so heartening in a disheartening world.
But, hallelujah, we’re always resting between your shoulders as we rest upon your heart for us in the Gospel, Abba. You hold us, and you will hold us fast. You will never push us away. You will never cross your arms in disgust. You will never use your hands to harm us. We only and forever are welcome in your embrace. Abba, this isn’t sentimental, it’s sensational not a metaphor but the greatest mercy we will ever know. Thank you, Abba. So Very Amen.