I Can't Give My Kids What they Need
There's nothing like the feeling that comes when one of my kids run to me. Whether it's for a hug when I first get home from work, for protection when their sibling is chasing them, for care when they're hurt, or for help putting their latest Lego project together, it's a sweet reminder that they see me as someone who is there for them and who can meet their needs.
They have no idea, however, just how many needs they have that I can do nothing about; just how much is outside of my control; just how many times my abilities will fall short.
This is especially true when it comes to their deepest, greatest need: Salvation.
While I will point them to the One who can save, and while I will pray for their salvation and teach them the Good News that there is salvation in Christ, at the end of the day, I cannot cleanse them of sin. I cannot give them a new heart. I cannot make them a new creation. I cannot bring them into a right relationship with the God who created them. I cannot make peace between them and the Father. I cannot cover their shame or atone for their sin.
Only Jesus can meet the greatest needs my children have.
The Bible tells the story of Adam & Eve trying to take care of this deep need themselves as they tried to cover their shame after they sinned. Believe it or not, they tried to cover it all up with leaves...yes, fig leaves. How insufficient it all was! It didn't change anything. In fact, it just left them guilty, hiding from God.
This is how I feel...unable to cover the sins of my children...unable to undo what they've done...unable to make it right before God.
I rejoice though, that the Bible also tells the story of God covering Adam & Eve's shame for them...how he covered them with the skin of an animal, foreshadowing another sacrifice, another time when blood would be shed, and God's Son, Jesus Christ, would offer himself as the One who can cover our shame.
This is the story I want my kids to hear; the story I want them to delight in throughout their years.
And so when my kids run to me, I know that the best thing I can do, is pick them up and take them immediately to Christ...the only One who can cover their shame and make them new.
