by Dave McInerney (in Costa Calida Chronicle, April 2024)
Abraham’s bosom was said to be a place where the spirits of the Old Testament saints go after death. It was said that Abraham’s bosom was a place of comfort and joy – a place of happiness. Some say that Abraham’s bosom was not an actual place. However, what really matters is what it represents for us in the next world.
Abraham’s bosom was later replaced by Jesus’ bosom.
John 13:23 (KJV): “Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.” This confirms that the bosom is a place of love and rest. A place for someone who is loved and is fondly cared for – just like you. Can you imagine leaning into the bosom of Jesus? You don’t have to, because He is here and loves you!
Isaiah 40:11 (KJV): “…he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom.” This, again, is a place of rest; a place to be cared for by Jesus. Who are His lambs? We are all His lambs! Jesus is continually looking for those who are not in His pen, because they have gotten lost within the world’s temptations.
Jesus never stops looking. Even on the cross Jesus never stopped looking. A simple look by the thief on the cross, was a look that saved him. He was the first one in Abraham’s bosom after the cross. Why? Because he was looking at Jesus. One thief looked, the other blamed. Are you playing the blame game in one way or another? Examine yourself before looking at others.
How can we experience the bosom of Jesus? How can we enter into His bosom, His comfort and His love? The answer is to listen and learn about the living word of God. We, personally, need to believe in and accept the living word of God. We need to recognise that we are all sinners who fall short of the glory of God. We need to repent of our sins and place our life, our faith and our trust in Jesus!