Jesus Loves Me—This I Know

Meditate.

"I have spoken of these matters in figures of speech, but soon I will stop speaking figuratively and will tell you plainly all about the Father. Then you will ask in my name. I'm not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God. Yes, I came from the Father into the world, and now I will leave the world and return to the Father." Then his disciples said, "At last you are speaking plainly and not figuratively. Now we understand that you know everything, and there's no need to question you. From this we believe that you came from God." John 16:25-30

Figurative language involves analogies, like Jesus’ parables, and may exaggerate the story. Exaggeration is not something that we consider a speaking trait of Jesus. He always told the truth—no lies or big stories. He taught people using parables about things like sheep, coins and houses—and even families, sons and fathers. God the Father is blessed to have such a devoted, obedient, honest and loving son—Jesus. The Father loves the disciples…and us, because we love Jesus.

A lot of kids learn to sing “Jesus Loves Me” when they are like three or four years old. Some of the words to the song centers on “ME” but the song is really about Jesus—and His strength. My sister and I sang this song together when we were children—we liked to sing. She had almost perfect pitch and could sing so beautifully—like an angel. One of the last times we were together we sang “The Lord’s Prayer” and she harmonized, singing alto. Twenty-three years ago today she died tragically…and now I imagine that she is singing at the very throne of Jesus—or will be when He gathers us all together for a feast with Him in Heaven. A feast that you can be at too, if you love Jesus as your Lord and Savior. I’m saying that literally, not figuratively—no exaggeration. We choose if we want to be in Heaven, by choosing Jesus as our Savior. My sister chose to love Jesus and to honor Him as Savior. No wings or harp for her…those are figurative things people think about when they talk about heaven. Those things are for angels, which are totally different created beings than humans. I hope to see you in Heaven, too—I’ll be the one singing there with my sister, Shirley. You can tell us apart—I’m a little taller.

The day Shirley was killed, her new husband, Bob, and her two daughters, Vicki and Anne, were also killed, along with her ex-husband, Ron, who took his own life. Domestic violence is a heart wrenching issue—and in some cases fatal and final. Thirty-one years later I’m still feeling the loss of this family. A few years after this incident a Jewish friend of mine asked me why I was sad, since as a Christian I should be happy that they are with Jesus. Why am I sad? For all these years I have missed (been cheated out of) Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Fourth of July, birthdays, sunny days…every day celebrations with them. Shirley and I were planning to grow old gracefully—together. I miss the fact that I didn’t get to go to her daughters’ high school and college graduations, weddings, or to hold their newborn babies—I won’t get to share in the joys and sorrows of their lives—they aren’t living. This sharing of our lives isn’t just about me…it’s about family. Families are supposed to share all those joys and sorrows, holidays, birthdays…and every days. We have a void in our family that can’t be filled—that is what death does. It leaves a void. Why am I sad? I’m just selfish I guess. My life is about “me.” I wanted more out of life…more time to spend with those I love. Although I’ll see my sister and her family again in Heaven our relationship here on earth has ended and there is that void. So I give Jesus the void—this loss. That is all I can do. And then I can sing and...remember. 

Time is precious—people and relationships are precious. May we all value what we have…and enjoy it to the fullest while we are here. The best advice I received was in a message that said that when we've lost family members we need to focus on the ones we still have. Family and friends—know that I love you—more than my heart can hold.

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus—Thank you for loving us…my sister, me and our family. I praise You for who You are and always will be—King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Thank you for the peace you have given me in the past years…and now.

Verse of Salvation ~ He says, "You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." Isaiah 49:6

Revised from December 8, 2012 Banquet With The King blog.

© 2020 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Jesus Love Me--This I Know

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