Carrying the Ember – Jesus’ Unwavering Care for His Children
A few years ago, my family as a whole started to watch a reality TV show called Dual Survival. This show brought together two well-trained survivalists, Dave Canterbury and Cody Lundin, and placed them in challenging wilderness situations where they had to rely on their skills and the environment to survive. The contrasting attitudes of these two survivalists often led to humorous moments as they narrated their experiences to the camera.
Facing the Elements: Cody’s Ember
In one unforgettable episode, Cody Lundin, an extreme survival instructor, demonstrated an incredible feat. Placed in a snowy forest environment with limited resources, Cody was tasked with building a fire. He skillfully used his last matches and dry kindling to create a robust fire. However, a new challenge emerged: the absence of food nearby. Despite the freezing cold, Cody knew he had to prioritize finding sustenance.
With no more matches or kindling available, Cody faced a dilemma: warmth and hunger or cold and the possibility of food. In this critical moment, Cody demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness. He decided to carry a small ember to a better location, ensuring both warmth and the means to cook any potential catch. As he journeyed, he gently breathed on the ember nestled in his palms to keep the flame alive until he reached his destination.
A Lesson from Cody’s Ember
Cody’s innovative approach to survival reflects a profound lesson about God’s care for His children. Just as Cody protected the ember from wind and breathed gently on it to keep it alive, Jesus carries and cares for us in our times of need. In Matthew 12:15-16, we learn that Jesus’ compassion knows no bounds. He healed countless individuals, fulfilling the prophecy from Isaiah 42:1-3:
“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen
my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased.
I will put my Spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
He will not quarrel or cry aloud,
nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets;
a bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory;
and in his name, the Gentiles will hope.”
Isaiah’s prophetic words, evidenced that Jesus was who He said He was. Jesus’s mission was to bring hope, healing, and justice, to a broken world. Just as Cody’s actions showcased his dedication to preserving the ember, Jesus’ unwavering care ensures our well-being.
The Imagery of Isaiah 42:3
Isaiah’s imagery of a “bruised reed” and a “smoldering wick” carries profound meaning. Imagine a reed, broken but not severed, and a candle’s wick, glowing without a flame, but not extinguished. Similarly, Jesus tends to us with incredible patience and gentleness. He sustains our flickering faith until the moment He ignites it into a roaring fire.
Cody’s diligence in protecting the ember mirrors Jesus’ dedication to nurturing our spiritual lives. Long before we chose to follow Him, Jesus was caring for us. Just as Cody’s ember glowed faintly within the wood, Jesus gently breathes life into our souls, leading us to His eternal purpose.
The Fire of the Holy Spirit
The concept of fire holds spiritual significance in the Bible. After years of Jesus’ ministry and guidance, the disciples experienced the Holy Spirit’s descent as tongues of fire (Acts 2:3). Like Cody’s ember becoming a thriving flame, the disciples’ faith transformed into a powerful force.
Rediscovering Your Fire
Do you find yourself in a season where your spiritual fire has dimmed? Do you fear you’ve strayed too far from God’s grace? If these thoughts resonate with you, remember that Jesus never abandons His children. There is always an ember that He gently breathes upon, ready to rekindle the flame.
To fan your ember into a blazing fire, embrace repentance and turn wholeheartedly to God. Just as Jesus cared for Cody’s ember, He cares for your soul. You are never beyond His reach, and His promise stands firm:
“For ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved'” — (Romans 10:13).
Applying the Lesson
Applying the lessons from Cody’s ember and Jesus’ care can transform your spiritual journey. Here are some ways to integrate these insights into your life:
- Reflection and Prayer: Take time to reflect on the imagery of the ember and Jesus’ nurturing care. In your prayers, acknowledge Jesus as the gentle caretaker of your faith.
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” — Matthew 11:28-30 (NASB1995)
- Repentance and Renewal: If you feel your spiritual fire dwindling, turn to God with a repentant heart. Allow Jesus to breathe life into your faith once more.
“Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” — Acts 3:19 (NASB1995)
- Bible Study: Engage in regular Bible reading to understand Jesus’ teachings and promises. Let His words fuel your faith.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105 (NASB1995)
- Community: Surround yourself with fellow believers who can provide encouragement and support, just as Cody and Dave relied on each other’s skills in Dual Survival.
“And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” — Hebrews 10:24-25 (NASB1995)
- Sharing Hope: Share the message of Jesus’ unwavering care with others who may be struggling. Be a beacon of hope, igniting their spiritual fire.
“But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” — 1 Peter 3:15 (NASB1995)
Jesus Will Breathe on You
Cody’s ember serves as a powerful metaphor for Jesus’ constant care in our lives. Just as Cody protected the ember’s glow, Jesus tends to our spiritual flames, ensuring they never go out. Even when we feel distant or broken, Jesus gently breathes life into our souls. Embrace this truth, let Him reignite your faith, and remember that His promise of salvation stands firm.
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