God's Outstretched Arm



We are told in Genesis 6:6 the LORD said He would redeem Israel with an outstretched arm.

In Isaiah 53:1-5, we see prophesy of the divine arm of the Lord that would bear our burdens, buy our peace, bring spiritual and physical healing and, most importantly, redemption.


"And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her. And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them. "


When Jesus came, He showed us how to live. He willingly and for this purpose knew that He with "outstretched arms" would pay the price for our sin. (Mk 8:21) (Heb. 12:2) Just as it was with Simon's mother in law, He reached out with arms spread wide for us on the cross, paying the price for our sin. He gave all for the world - that would be you and me! (John 3:16) John 15:13 says, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

The stretching out of His arms was the greatest display of love possible. He, Jesus, God in the flesh, sacrificed himself for you and I! This is something we can not take lightly. God sure doesn't.

The question we as Christians (Followers of Christ) must ask ourselves is.... have we truly accepted His outstretched arm?

Today, are we truly tired of carrying our own burdens and not knowing true peace - that peace that passes all understanding? Do we desire Him more than anything? He gave His all for us. Do we do the same for Him in return?

One thing I know for sure is this: God will not ask us to give up anything without having something much better to give to us in return.

It's time for us to get out of our comfort zones if we desire true victories. It's time to reach out and truly accept those outstretched arms, die to ourselves, and live for Him.

We've got nothing to lose and everything to gain. Let's consider the words of Jesus in Luke 9:23-25. "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?"