Locked in Love
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I just returned from a trip to Paris and Italy. In Paris my wife and I walked across a number of bridges that spanned the Seine River. Most had heavy wire rail fencing on each side with thousands of padlocks attached. One such bridge led from the Cathedral of Notre Dame to the left bank of Paris. On these locks were names of lovers. The idea was to purchase a padlock from a vendor who lends you a permanent marker to write your names and love message on either side of the lock. You then attach the lock to the wire mesh and throw the key into the river, thus signifying your eternal love for each other - a love that cannot be broken or unlocked!
I couldn't help but think how many people have purchased a lock, attached it, and then years later broke up, thus rendering a forever promise a temporary act. There is but one forever love and that comes from the One who does not break promises. In fact, he died validating the promise of the Good Shepherd that gives his life for his sheep. Why? So that in him they have eternal life! Christ is the only lock on eternal love. Our padlock is Jesus, who attaches himself to us. That lock can never be broken!
I couldn't help but think how many people have purchased a lock, attached it, and then years later broke up, thus rendering a forever promise a temporary act. There is but one forever love and that comes from the One who does not break promises. In fact, he died validating the promise of the Good Shepherd that gives his life for his sheep. Why? So that in him they have eternal life! Christ is the only lock on eternal love. Our padlock is Jesus, who attaches himself to us. That lock can never be broken!
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. (John 10:14-15, 28)