He Cares For You.

[1 Peter 5:7] He cares for you.

The little chipmunk is working furiously stocking up his supply for the cold winter months that are just around the corner. As I sat on the deck sipping coffee, listening to the birds sing and feeling the coolness in the air as the morning mist began to give way to the warming of the suns early morning rays; I watched him. He would run to the bird feeder and stuff his cheeks full of seeds then back down through the yard and under my neighbor’s deck! Squirrels were eating, birds were eating, and rabbits were grazing under the pines all the while as this little fellow was going on about his business. One cannot sit outside in nature very long without thinking about God. His invisible attributes are clearly seen by those things which He has created. The Scripture tells us that we are more valuable to Him than many little birds but when I observe the little creatures it is obvious that the Father is taking care of them.

Out of the group of men that Jesus chose to disciple I am always encouraged by the Apostle Peter. I even give him my last name sometimes when speaking about him because he and I share some virtues. I like to fish, he did it for a living. I speak without thinking, as did he. In his letter to the Saints, Peter could write these words with authority; He cares for you. No one knew that any better than Simon Peter. Jesus saved him from drowning, healed his sick mother-in-law, gave him nets full of fish after he had fished all night and never even got a bite, and did not have him arrested even though he cut off a guy’s ear. Peter had experience with the patience and love of Jesus but of all the things he remembered about those experiences I believe it was one of his last encounters with Him that motivated him, (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit), to put these words on the parchment; He cares for you. Peter remembered sitting around the campfire eating fish and bread days after Jesus had risen from the grave. I am sure he was hoping that Jesus had forgiven and forgot about his denial of him earlier. Jesus brought the subject up though by asking Peter if he loved Him. I believe Peter got nervous that day. I believe he thought Jesus was getting ready to give him the boot. “Depart from Me thou wicked servant,” I believe is what Peter expected to hear. What he heard though were these words: “I still care for you, Peter.” No, not verbatim, but in context. Friend, He cares for you too. In all your imperfections; warts and all; He cares for you! Always and forever; never, ever, forget that.