The Affectionate Love of Jesus

The fall season is always a hard transition for me. It is filled with scattered days of the sun and warmth of summer, and then, dreary days of the cold and harshness of the winter to come. I enjoy the colors of the fall leaves but in the back of my mind I know they are dying and will fall to the ground in a matter of weeks.

The cold weather really got to me today. So I spent some time sitting under a blanket on my couch. As the wind and the rain raged outside, I had my bible out and I was looking for some comfort and affection from Jesus! The Lord led me to a scripture I love from John 13. In verse 23 it says; "Now there was reclining on Jesus' bosom (chest) one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved." This scripture blesses me so much because of the physical closeness of Jesus to His disciple. I enjoy visualizing this intimate scene between close friends! I also love the fact that in this scripture and several others in this book, John, the author, refers to himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." Again in John 21:20, John writes; "Then Peter turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper..." It is clear John understands he is loved by Jesus. It also seems to me it was important to him that he was able to lean against the bosom of the Lord at the last supper. Because he restates the physical affection of this scene once again in this gospel record, I believe it was a profound moment in his life. I also believe the Holy Spirit inspired him to focus on this moment because we need to be aware of the affectionate love of Jesus! Physical affection is a way Jesus communicated love to John and it is a way we communicate love to one another in this world.

It is amazing how the Lord communicates love and affection to me in so many ways in my life. He is so here WITH me! I feel so loved just like John!! One way is through providing me with parking spots. Today, I had a lunch date with a friend and was forced out from under my blanket and into the rain. I love my friend and loved our lunch together, but it was hard to get myself out in the rain. I know the rain is a blessing, but I was struggling with the cold weather pushing away the summer I have so enjoyed!! It is hard for me to let go of warm walks in the early mornings and sandals and shorts. But I made my way toward the restaurant and as I rounded the corner in the rain, I knew God felt the struggle going on in my heart. He knew I was mourning the end of the warm weather. I could feel His affectionate love coming close to me. So I looked around and said; "Lord, where is my parking spot?" At that moment, I saw a man walk out to get into his car and he opened up my spot right in front of the restaurant! This is the affectionate love of Jesus I experience over and over again. Although it was not literal, I could feel His arm around me. He understands what I am going through and He is there to light up my world. He touched me from heaven and I felt Him. At that moment, I could feel myself leaning against His chest!

When I feel the love of God poured out on me in numerous ways, day after day, I notice that it is impossible for me to hold back the affectionate love of Jesus. When I go to the homeless shelter, I hug all of the ladies! When my grandchildren are with me, I rub their heads and kiss and hug them. God has set me free to share His loving affection!! There is no need to filter it!!

So, as I say good-bye to the summer I loved, I will look forward to skiing and sledding and making hot chocolate. And cuddling by the fire with the ones I love. And especially the affectionate love of Jesus that He pours upon me no matter what the season:)