The one Yahweh loves rests
between his shoulders!
Here I am, God, loved by you!
I too often forget that
you came to us as Jesus—
you two are one!—who died
on the cross, for everyone—
yes, for the whole world
but for me too! Insignificant me!
You love me! It sinks in, softly.
I rest on your chest, quiet, content,
held so close. I don’t want to forget
that I, too, am chosen, set apart.
You have guided me constantly
through a life of joys and grief,
and yes, times of stumbling,
but held close to your heart.
I am yours, now and forever!
You are mine, the Mighty One,
the only true God, Rescuer,
our Maker, King of the Universe:
loving Father, loving Son,
Holy Spirit, three in one!
You are my precious resting place,
my source of grace in your embrace.
You love me, God, and I love you!
I was reading the blessings on the twelve tribes of Israel, in Deuteronomy 33, when the one given to Benjamin grabbed my heart:
About Benjamin he said: “Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders.” (Deut. 33:12 NIV)
Who could want more than that? Then my soul was flooded with the realization that I, too, am loved by God. I am his beloved! So are you! It is easy to remember that he “loved the world” (John 3:16); that is why he sent Jesus to die and provide rescue. But sometimes that generalization can be sweepingly applied to all people without remembering that his great love has been poured out even on little me, one person among billions. Ephesians is rich in contemplation of our need to delve into understanding this:
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions– it is by grace you have been saved. (Eph. 3:16-19 NIV)
The Spirit is who empowers us to grasp this truth that we are loved!
Yes, that blessing in Deuteronomy was given to Benjamin, but we are also among the “chosen people” now, and loved by God:
For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you (1 Thess. 1:4 NIV)
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Pet. 2:9 NIV)
We who have accepted Jesus’ loving sacrifice now belong to the LORD God, Yahweh! And there is purpose underlined for us: to praise the One who cares enough for us that he calls us out of the dark world to walk with him, and he is the light.
So rest in the wonder of this peace we have in our very unique privilege of being personally loved by God! Let him hold you “between his shoulders”, which can also be understood as “against his chest.” That is truly the position of Father and beloved child. Relish it, and praise his love to those around you!
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