Beneath the wings of Jesus

As you read this, the official start of fall is just around the corner. The first frost, brisk winds and the crunch of autumn leaves beneath our feet can’t be far behind.

As a young mother, I always felt the maternal instinct to gather my “little chicks” close to me as the days grew shorter and colder, to keep them safe beneath my wings.

 As a grandmother and great grandmother, this instinct remains within me. However, as any parent or grandparent knows, the time comes when you can no longer keep your “brood” close to you. That is as it should be, but sometimes it is difficult.

Our Heavenly Father makes those separations bearable. We can find peace, knowing that He is watching over the little kindergartner, the new student driver, the college student, the military family, those who have journeyed to the city and far off places and face other life trials. God can be where we can’t be.

It also helps if we know that our children know their Heavenly Father and seek His guidance and protection in their daily lives.

Some time ago, I had the occasion to be with a young mom about the time she was sending her children off to school. As they went out the door, she handed them their lunch, gave them a hug and read them a short bible verse to send them on their way. I was amazed that, though they were in a hurry, the children paused and listened to their special verse. They now had the armor of God to get them through their day.

We read in Ephesians 6:11, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

The young mother knew the value of preparing her children for what might lie ahead.

As a parent, grandparent, godparent, aunt, uncle or Christian friend, the greatest gift we can give a child is the knowledge of God’s Word and His great love for them in sending His Son, Jesus, to be their Saviour and best friend.

Jesus is the One they can always count on. When trials come they will know to call out to Jesus in the same way the Psalmist pled with God; “...be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge”. In Luke 13:34 Jesus told the Pharisees, “…Know often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings and you would not.” 

We know it is humanly impossible to always watch over our loved ones. However, our prayers can go with them wherever they go! Even more importantly, we know by the scripture that Jesus can and will gather and protect His children beneath His wings for all seasons!

Jan Knicely,

Associate in Ministry, emeritus

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church