God’s Outstretched Arms

1 Kings 8:42

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If any adult does this (stretches arms out) towards a child the child knows exactly what the adult is offering. It is offering to pick them up and to carry them. And if any child does this (reaches both arms up) to a parent a parent knows what the child wants. That the parent would pick them up and carry them. In both of those signs the request or the offer is that the adult would use its strength for the benefit of the child.

God has done something very similar to you. He is stretching his arms out towards you. Solomon, the wisest man that has ever lived, recognize that about God. This is what he said at the dedication of the temple:

For they will hear about your great Name, your mighty hand, and your outstretched arms, and they will come and pray toward this house. (1 Kings 8:42)

God has outstretched arms towards you and the world. This is seen most clearly in the person of Jesus. God came down from heaven, out of love for you, and he stretched out his arms on the cross to pay for all of your sins. And God has accepted his payment on your behalf.

God used his strength in Jesus to forgive you of all of your sins. And now God promises that when you stretch out your arms towards him he will hear you. God loves you. He has forgiven you and he wants to use his almighty power for your good.

So come to him. Come to his outstretched arms and learn of his love and his forgiveness in Jesus. He will pick you up and carry you through life’s trials and burdens. Peace be with you. Amen.