Closer to the Rescuer

I have this dog named Max. Max technically belongs to the whole family, but everyone knows he is my dog. Max follows me everywhere I go. I often find myself turning around in the kitchen and tripping over him. When I sit down to read, he lays on my feet. (Yup, he's right next to me as I type this.) If I go upstairs for something, he sits at the bottom of the steps looking up until I return. We're not really sure why he has attached so closely to me. We rescued him when he was a couple years old. Our theory is that he had not always been treated well before coming to our family. Since I was the one who picked him up, brought him to our home, sat on the floor with him, reassured him, fed him and basically loved him before anyone else came home, we think he bonded most strongly with me.

I had to take my Max to the vet yesterday because he is sick. Abby went with me and said to me, "Make sure the vet knows he's your dog." So now I'm giving him antiobiotic pills (tucked into bites of hot dog) and monitering him carefully. My mind started thinking about his attachement to me yesterday and a spiritual comparison struck me. It might be a bit of a stretch...so get ready to leap with me.

Jesus Christ is my Rescuer. He has rescued me from the condemnation of sin and the power of Satan (who we know seeks only to hurt and destroy). I should stick as close to the side of my Great Rescuer as my dog sticks close to his rescuer. My Great Rescuer watches over me and treats my ailments. Sometimes He treats me with soothing balms of Scripture, sweet words from songs or friends. But sometimes the medication is hard and unpleasant and it's not tucked into tasty circumstances. But it's always for my good and His glory. He wants me to stay close to Him because that is the safest place for me. So my prayer yesterday and today has been, "Lord, keep me so close to You that I don't take a step unless You are next to me, leading me."