One of His disciples, whom Jesus loved [whom He esteemed and delighted in], was reclining [next to Him] on Jesus’ bosom. – John 13:23, Amplified Bible

There are few things more precious to parents than to have their children spontaneously, affectionately snuggle up to them. When children do this – not, of course, as a way to butter up their parents in hopes of getting something, but as a sincere display of affection – it communicates to their parents appreciation, love, respect, and thankfulness, all at once. In such moments parents know that their children get the fact that they want the best for their kids and that they are diligently trying to provide that “best.” The joy of knowing that their kids “get it” is one of the most satisfying emotions any parent could ever experience.

In John 13:23, the Apostle John snuggled up to Jesus. He knew who Jesus was – not only a dear friend and authoritative teacher, but his God – and he took the position of a loyal, loving child by showing his affection for his Creator. Probably, one of the reasons why Jesus esteemed and delighted in John so much is because of John’s affection for Him, and John’s willingness to recline on Jesus’ bosom – even though a grown man – is one of the most touching manifestations of love for Jesus depicted in the Bible.

Although we cannot today snuggle up to God the way John did, we absolutely can snuggle up to God in spirit. To do so requires constant, heartfelt conversation with Him and, even more so, a vivid imagination that places us in His presence in our mind’s eye. When we come in this way to Jesus with the appreciation, love, respect, and thankfulness of a loyal child, we will feel the secure warmth of His spiritual embrace, and He will feel the joy of knowing that His kids “get it.”

How long has it been since you snuggled up to God?