Observations From the Kennel

The love of a puppy is a special relationship that builds and grows as the relationship progresses.  In this series of Observations From the Kennel it is my desire to make these remarks personal and meaningful.  The use of the term “dog” has been used throughout history as a derogatory term to put down and degrade individuals.  However, in this discussion that is not the case.  I use the relationship between the pet and the pet owner to illustrate the relationship between ourselves and our God.  In the scriptures our Lord used the relationship between the sheep and the shepherd to illustrate His teachings.  That was appropriate in that day because people lived in that context and understood the relationship.  Today, for my readers, we are not so accustomed to the sheep and Shepard, but do experience the relationship with our pets. Therefore, I would like to share observations from the kennel. 

The first thing that comes to mind is the love of a puppy.  What child or even adult does not enjoy the affection and interaction with a belove pet.  It seems every child longs for a pet to love and care for.  As my wife and I receive prospective pet owners into our home we recognize that desire even in grown men who all but cry over the love of a deceased pet or the prospect of a new puppy to replace the beloved former pet.

            The love of God is very similar to our desire to love a pet.  In the beginning of creation God provided everything in the world to ensure the survival of his masterpiece creation – Mankind.  Throughout history we can see how God has loved, protected and provided for man.  This relationship began before the creation of the world and it grew out of a special love in the heart of God for mankind.  As the pet owner desires a relationship with his pet so God has desired a relationship with you.  Please do not confuse our relationship to God as if we are pets but rather his desire to adopt us into his family.  For the scriptures tell us “He gives us the power to become the sons of God.”  Even so we would give our pets the recognition as our “fur baby” or consider them part of the family.

            God’s love goes much deeper than that of a pet owner.  While some will make great sacrifice for our fur babies few would trade our child for the pet.  God did just that.  For God so loved you that He gave His only begotten son, that if you would love him, you would have everlasting life.  As you diligently seek the perfect puppy and long to have it home with you so God diligently created you, knew you before the foundations of the world and seeks that perfect holy relationship with you. We desire our new fur baby to love us and show affection to us, so God desires us to love him.  The beginning of such a relationship is to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and savior in our lives.  A puppy’s love grows as he recognizes who the alpha is and that alpha is you, the owner.  As the alpha in the relationship there is an avenue for the puppy to cast all trust and love on the owner.  How it warms the heart of God as we cast our love and trust on Him.  Will you give thought to that as you care for your fur baby? Notice your love for the puppy and the puppy’s love for you then reflect on your relationship with God.