Disobedient Children and God's Embrace

There is an old Jewish legend about a boy named Mortakai who refused to go to school and study the word of God. Mortakai’s parents tried to force the boy. It didn’t work. They hired a psychiatrist to evaluate the boy and got even fewer results. Mortakai determined to avoid faithful study.

Exasperated, Mortakai’s parents took the boy to see their rabbi. The parents emotionally explained the problem.  The rabbi didn’t say a word, but picked the boy up and held him closely to his chest. He rocked the boy back or forth for a time, humming a sacred song. After some more time, the Rabbi softly handed the boy back to his parents. From that point on, the boy displayed a genuine interest in learning God’s word and had no problem attending school.

In a way, that simple story is a beautiful illustration of how God’s people relate to God’s instruction. We rail against (and even avoid) God’s direction until we experience God’s embrace. By incredible grace, God draws us close and holds us, allowing us to experience God's love in relationship. After experiencing that embrace, we have an earnest desire for God’s instruction.

That is also the heart of the Psalm writer who writes, “Your statutes are wonderful, therefore I obey them. The unfolding of your word gives light. It gives understanding to the simple. I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands. Turn to me and have mercy on me as you always do to those who love your name,” (119:129-132).  Because God always turns to us in loving mercy, we long to know God’s instruction.

As you go through the coming week, study God’s word. Soak up God’s instruction. As you do, remember God’s loving embrace. God has saved you by grace so that you might know God in relationship. That embrace makes the most obstinate of children lovers of the word.