The Shade of Jesus

That's a picture of my 2nd son, Hudson. He doesn't do well in the heat. He's used to Bay Area weather. I took this picture a few days ago on a 92 degree day in Sacramento, where Hudson's face quickly turned so red he looked like he was going to explode.Hudson was so hot, I decided to give him shade. As we walked under the hot sun I positioned myself above him, taking the heat so that he could walk in my shade.It immediately struck me that this is what Jesus does for us: he takes the heat so we can walk in his shade.Innocent Jesus absorbs the hot punishment we deserve for our sin, allowing us to walk forward in the cool of his shade.Friends, remember that Jesus casts a big shadow. No matter who you are or what you've done, his shadow is bigger. His shade of grace can cover over any sin, any sinner.A Christian is someone who wakes up each morning secure under the shade of Jesus. When the Father look at you, he sees you covered in the Son's shadow. That's your new identity. This good news never grows old! Now, the trick is to really believe this news and behave accordingly...Jesus took the heat so that you could walk in shade.