Between the Shoulders!

This past week, Kim and I have had the pleasure of having our son Jonathan, his wife Danielle, and our grandson, Jesse with us—for the whole week!  That has meant a lot of “Jesse time!” At eight weeks old, he has become so much more responsive and playful than when we saw him last. I love having him on my lap in front of me, hearing him try to “talk,” and seeing his big smile break out.  I don’t even mind changing his diapers! And I especially love holding him up against me as he begins to fall asleep. It’s so calming and peaceful for the both of us. And, it makes me feel good to know he trusts me enough to sleep against my chest, between my shoulders. 

If you think about it, it’s not surprising that babies like to be held as much as they do. After all, when they are held up against a parent, grandparent, etc. they are in a place of safety and security. It’s there that an infant finds comfort, protection, and provision. It’s between the shoulders of one who loves them that the child is able to rest and “sleep like a baby.”

In the promises made to the tribes of Israel, God said these words to the tribe of Benjamin: “Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders.” (Deuteronomy 33:12 – NIV) It’s a beautiful picture and wonderful promise that is given to God’s people. It’s a picture and promise of the Lord holding his son or daughter like a father or mother holds their infant child—up against his chest, between their shoulders. And the child, feeling safe and secure, is able to rest.  

I tend to think, there are times when we could all use someone to hold us, calm us, and help us rest. Considering the times in which we live, the uncertainty that is taking place around us, and all the difficult things that tend to take place within our lives, each of us could use a place of safety, security, comfort, protection, and rest.  Thus, in his great love, God invites us to come to him, to lean upon him, to find our rest in him—to find rest between his shoulders. Let’s take him up on his offer.

Have a great day as you rest between his shoulders! 

Pastor Tim Harris