The Alligator Parable

Isaiah 43:1-4
Jeremiah 50:33-34

If you ever have the opportunity to paddle in the slower, warmer rivers of South Georgia, Florida, and Alabama you are likely to see alligators from time to time. Many people naturally have some concern over just how safe they are when paddling or swimming in these waters. Although statistics reflect the unlikely possibility of unprovoked alligator attacks there are still well founded reasons to be careful. These conversations lead naturally into a great story about one of those alligator incidents and how it reveals one awesome spiritual truth.

Some years ago, on a hot summer day in south Florida, a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went. He jumped into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming from the opposite shore. His mother, in the house and looking out the window, saw the two as they got closer and closer together.

In utter fear, she ran toward the water, yelling to her son as loudly as she could. Hearing her voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a quick 180 degree turn to swim to his mother. It was too late. Just as he reached her, the alligator reached him.

From the dock, the mother grabbed her little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was much stronger than the mother, but the mother was much too passionate to let go.

A farmer happened to drive by, heard her screams, raced from his truck with a gun, took aim and shot the alligator. Remarkably, the little boy survived. His legs were severely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal and, on his arms, were deep scratches where his mother's fingernails dug into his skin in her effort to hang on to the son she loved.

The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his scars. The boy started to lift his pant legs but then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, "Look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms. I have them because my Mom wouldn't let go."

You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. They may not be scars from an alligator, but those of a painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret. Other wounds are because God has refused to let go.

In the midst of our struggles, He's been there holding on. The Scripture teaches that God loves you. You are a child of God. He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way. The swimming hole of life is filled with peril and the enemy is waiting to attack. That's when the tug-of-war begins and if you have the scars of His love on your arms be very, very grateful. He did not, and will not, ever let you go.