When Love Comes Through the Thorns
"And when He has found it, He lays it on His shoulders, rejoicing." (Luke 15:5 NKJV)
The thorns were sharp that day. Cruel, gnarled brambles tore through tender flesh, as the trembling lamb fled into the gathering dusk. The once, snowy wool is now stained with crimson regret. The broken cries of the lost echoed across the canyon floor, "How did I stray so far? His love was real... Why did I ever leave his side?"
Have you ever been there?
As we walk the solemn path, pondering Resurrection Day, we remember the cost of love. We remember the Savior who rode humbly into Jerusalem—not on a war horse, but on a colt. The crowd waved palm branches and cried, "Hosanna!" not knowing they would soon trade that cry for "Crucify him!" Yet still... he came. Still... he rode.
The truth is every heart has known the ache of wandering. We've each played the part of the sheep, lured by smooth voices and glittering lies. We've left the comfort of the Shepherd's arms for empty promises, and then the enemy springs his trap. The thorns come. They always do.
Shame. Regret. The entanglement of sin.
And suddenly, we find ourselves alone, bleeding in the shadows of our choices.
There Are Footsteps Coming Through the Thorns for You
But oh, beloved, listen closely. There are footsteps in the garden. Footsteps on the road to Calvary. Footsteps coming through the thorns... for you.
The Great Shepherd is not content to let one lamb stay lost. No! The very one who sweat great drops of blood in Gethsemane now moves heaven and earth to reach you. The one who was beaten, mocked, crowned with thorns, and nailed to wood—he runs to you. (Photo via WikimediaCommons)
He doesn't wait for the sheep to make it home. He runs. He tears through the darkness, the brush, and the bramble that pierced his own brow. His hands—still marked by nails—reach into the thicket and lift the lamb high above the thorns, close to his heart once again.
And what does he say? Not, "Where have you been?" Not, "Why did you fail?" But this: "Peace, my beloved. You are found. I will restore you!"
With oil, he cleanses the wounds. With blood, he washes the stains. He rejoices with tears over the one who was lost but is now found.
He Still Runs After You
This is the story of Passion Week. The story of relentless pursuit. The story of a God who left glory to bear your shame, who did not despise the cross but endured it for the joy set before him—you (Hebrews 12:2).
Can you feel it? The arms of mercy wrapping around you? The Shepherd never stopped loving. He never stopped looking. He never stopped calling your name. He still runs after you.
Let that sink in: The God of the universe runs to the wounded. He doesn't just meet you halfway. He doesn't wait for you to clean yourself up. He comes, full of grace and truth, through every shadow and thorny path. (Photo via Pexels)
Oh, beloved, do you hear his voice? It's not distant. It's near. "Come to me, all you who are weary... and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28 NIV).
After you repent of your sins, the Shepherd does not tally your wrongs. He binds your wounds. He does not throw your wanderings in your face. He rejoices in your return. You are not too far gone, not too tangled, and not too stained.
The Shepherd still runs. And he's running toward you. So rise, trembling soul. Let go of shame's grip. Hear the sound of sandals on stone. Redemption is near. The tomb is empty. The stone is rolled away. The Lamb who was slain is now the Great Shepherd who lives, and he's calling for you.
Abandon fear, weary sheep. Your beloved Shepherd waits with open arms. Run to him. He bore the thorns so you wouldn't have to. He endured the cross so you could be carried home. "I will restore you," says the Lord.
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Steve Porter
Refuge Ministries
Email:Â G524walk@yahoo.com
Website:Â www.findrefuge.tv
Steve and Diane Porter have dedicated their lives to helping others experience a deeper relationship with God. Through their work with Refuge Ministries and Deeper Life Press, they have created resources that touch lives all over the globe. Steve has a special anointing to bring forth the deep truths of the Spirit, and his books, articles, and videos have helped people draw closer to God. The Porters live near Rochester, NY, and their greatest joy is to share the incredible love of their wonderful Lord.
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