Spawning Salmon and God's Great Love

Call me immature, but there’s something about the word “spawning” that makes me feel a little sheepish. So when I found out that we’d be going to Ketchican, Alaska—the Salmon capital of the world—I thought it was high time to put childish ways behind me and go watch those salmon spawn! (Blushing.)  

The life-cycle of salmon is actually very fascinating. When you have your chance to go see these salmon spawn in the freshwater streams in Alaska, you’re actually seeing them in their “hometown”. However, they’ve had quite a journey up until then. Salmon are born in freshwater streams before migrating to the salty-seas where they continue to travel for thousands of miles. Then, when it is time for the females to lay their eggs, they migrate back to the freshwater stream from whence they were born. Without using GPS for crying out loud!

All silliness aside, I couldn't help but notice how similar we are to salmon. These fish are to go and journey out; and then, when it's time, they go home. When we've been given life in Christ, we know where we belong - in Him! We go and journey about in His Name, doing His work and when it is time, we go Home. And for that final journey we don't need to use GPS either. We heed His call: "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand." (John 10: 27-28 NIV) 

Our Creator God has fashioned these fish intricately and inexplicably. And if He cares so deeply about salmon, surely His love for His people is deeper than the oceans. It was just a little stop that we made along the way. But it was a big moment to catch a glimpse of God’s intimate love. My moment was watching salmon spawn. What will yours be?