Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.     John 15:13 NKJV

If you have a dog, you may actually believe that dogs are man’s best friends. They tend to love unconditionally, and they do not come with the drama that often accompanies relationships these days. They are happy to see you even if you are in a foul mood. And yes, they may even give their life for you.

Relationships are complicated. They can be dramatic. They can be draining. But they can also be supportive and helpful.

Today, my husband and I buried one of our best friends, our little beagle, Miss Kay. She was a rescue that we have had for ten years now. Since my husband and I have been together, we have had five rescue dogs.

Anyone who has or has ever had a dog knows they can be a lot of work. They can try your patience. They can cause problems and incur a significant expense, including vet bills, supplies, medicines, and food.

If you think about it, aren’t we that way with God. He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die on a cross to save us from our sins so that any of us who believe in Him could have eternal life. Jesus rescued us from the bondage of sin.

Often when you rescue a dog, especially if they have been living in the woods or on the street, they are starving. When we are lost, we may not recognize our own starvation. We may not realize we are starving for our Lord and Savior. We may come to hunger and thirst for God’s Word.

I can honestly say, I’ve never taken in a rescue dog that was hostile towards me or my family. Jesus died on that cross to save us. He didn’t want to. He didn’t have to. He did it because He knew it was God’s will to save us from our sins. There are times, however, when we are hostile towards God. We grumble and complain and take His love and His blessings for granted.

Many of us fail to see that we are merely strays just stumbling along on the road to life. Without Jesus’ rescue, we would be doomed to die and spend eternity in hell. But because of His great love for us, He saved us from the bondage of sin. He saved us from death. He washed away our sins with His blood that was shed on that cross.

I have always found rescued dogs to be so appreciative. They understand that they were saved from conditions that could have led to their death. I often find it sad that as humans we don’t have that same understanding of what Jesus did for us.

As a stray in need of shelter, how do you respond to God? Do you just ignore Him? Do you call on Him when you need Him? Are or you His faithful companion that stays close by His side?

If you are cold, lonely, tired, hungry and tired of being tired turn to Jesus. He waits for you with open arms. He is ready, willing, and able to accept you as His child if you are willing to surrender to Him.

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

If you are tired of running the streets and hungry for the Lord, turn to Him today. In Him you will find shelter. You will find rest and you will thirst and hunger no more. He will give you eternal life.

Think about the love you have for your pet. Jesus loves us more than that, more than we can even fathom. He gave His life to rescue us. Are you willing to give your life to Him to have shelter, peace and joy for eternity?

Have a great day!