Jesus Christ is like a Tent
Tents are symbolic of many things. In the early church, people often lived in tents and and used them for worship, so it signifies comfort and love. The tabernacle was a large portable tent that served as a sanctuary and ancient place of worship. Scriptures also refer to the body as a tent. One might even contend that the church body is a tent of believers. Tents are more practically used for shelter or protection from outer elements.
Jesus offers us a layer of protection like a tent. He embraces us and provides us with comfort during the storms in life, just as a tent provides shelter. Jesus loves us unconditionally and we can count on him for security and compassion. This is something we often forget amid the storms of life, but the offering of grace and mercy is forever present.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God.
Prayer: For Protection
Assist us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and prayers, and dispose the way of your servants towards the attainment of everlasting salvation; that, among all the changes and chances of this mortal life, they may ever be defended by your gracious and ready help; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Book of Common Prayer, 1979; pg. 826.)
Ponderings…
What might help you see Jesus as protector and sustainer? What could you do to offer that same kind of love and comfort to someone else? When you are in a storm or hardship, what can serve as a reminder that Jesus is with you, covering you?
Illustrations used with permission. Copyright information for print above: Illustration by Elizabeth Wang, T-01148-OL, ‘The prayer of Jesus in the Mass is like a tent that shelters and protects us in the desert of daily struggles and temptations’, copyright © Radiant Light 2006, <http://www.radiantlight.org.uk/>
