The Parable of the Hermit Crab

Kristy and I just returned home last night from Jamaica where we spent the past few days celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary (May 25th). We were there 10 years ago on our honeymoon and this was our first return since then (just one more visit and we reach "Jamerican" status). Through American Airlines Vacations we cashed in every single one of the Advantage miles we had ever racked up - approximately 90,000 miles or so - for the air travel and accommodations.

The flight was great, we weren't accosted in the airport by timeshare salesmen, and we survived the death-defying taxi transfer to our hotel. We stayed in Mo-Bay (local lingo for Montego Bay) at a wonderful place called the Rose Hill Resort & Country Club. Upon check-in, the front desk upgraded us from an outdated garden-view to a newly renovated, ocean-view suite after they discovered we were on an anniversary excursion. This initiated an excellent first impression that would be expounded upon for the remainder of our stay in Jamaica.

Kristy and I quickly unpacked our things and immediately went about exploring the grounds. Although half of the resort was under heavy construction (things that could have been brought to my attention yesterday) the hotel arranged it so that all of the attractions were far away from the backhoes and jackhammers. They had recently developed a water park which included a swim-up bar & grill, water slides, and a lazy river.

As nice as that was, Kristy and I spent most of our time on the beach. The water was crystal clear and the sand was soft and white. It had been a long day of travel so we decided to just veg out on the beach lounge chairs and watch the sun set. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed movement in the sand. It was a couple of hermit crabs dragging themselves home after a busy afternoon of sun bathing. Then it dawned on me ... they weren't heading home because they always carry their home on their backs. No matter where they went they would always have their shells to curl into for comfort and protection. If they were to ever leave their shell, they would be completely exposed to the sun and predators.

Hermie and his mobile home - photo compliments of Flickr.com

That immediately sparked a parable into my mind - one quite appropriate as Pentecost is nearly upon us. That hermit crab carries its home with it everywhere it goes just like we as Christians have the Holy Spirit living in us all the time and everywhere we go. Prior to his crucifixion and later ascension, Jesus makes us a promise in John 16:7 saying, "... It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor ["Comforter", "Helper", "Friend" in different translations] will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you."

When we open up our heart and accept Jesus as our personal savior, the Holy Spirit makes a dwelling place in us. And since He lives in us 24x7 ...

• He empowers us to be witnesses for our Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:26)
• He helps us lead a godly life (Galatians 5:22-23)
• He gives us spiritual gifts for the edification of believers (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)
  
• He is our guarantee of eternal life with God (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)

And back to the analogy of the hermit crab, without the Holy Spirit we too are exposed to the attacks of the evil one. The Holy Spirit empowers us to resist worldly temptations. And the best part is, He will always be there for us. God says, "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:6). He'll never "take a vacation" from being your adviser and friend.

Stay the course, finish the race ... AB

(Next Week: The Parable of the New Fence)