2007-02-22 - Consider My Arm

Originally Published 2002-03-07

Isaiah 50:2 When I came, why was there no one? When I called, why was there no one to answer? Was my arm too short to ransom you? Do I lack the strength to rescue you? By a mere rebuke I dry up the sea, I turn rivers into a desert; their fish rot for lack of water and die of thirst. (NIV)

Have you ever felt like God had abandoned you and left you to fend for yourself? The first thing I would say to you is that I have felt this way myself on a few occasions. Then I remember that Jesus promised never to leave or forsake us as His children. In fact, I dare say that it takes a great deal of resistance on the part of a non-believer before God will leave that one to his own devices. And even when that is done it is to let that man or woman come to the end of their own resources can cry out to God. The Bible speaks of a time when God will stop reaching out to one who has hardened his heart against the call of salvation. This is a frightening thought indeed that someone could still be alive and have push and refused so hard and so long that God's mercy could be withdrawn even for a time. The promise of the Lord that He will always be with us is powerful and precious.

"When I came, why was there no one?" - Why did you not wait for me to rescue you? A thought along the same line: Have you ever felt that God would not do something for you? Have you ever felt that you were not worthy or important enough to have God intervene for you? "Was my arm too short to ransom you?" What is literally being asked is, "Do you not believe that I - the Lord of Hosts, the Eternal Sovereign - was incapable of overcoming your trouble? That somehow I was limited in this capacity?" God is omnipotent. He is all-powerful; limitless in his capacity to perform. Moses told the Israelites to stand still and behold the salvation of the Lord as they stood before the Red Sea. And God protected them and created a path on dry ground through the sea.

Stop and consider the arm of the Lord. Think about the unending reach of His power and the fact that it is wielded for His glory and your good. God is patient, gracious and merciful. He will correct His child too, but He is longsuffering. Do not mistake the patience of the Lord for His approval. Know that a sparrow was sold for a penny and God knew when that little bird's heart stopped beating. How much more important are you to God than a sparrow as his son or daughter. He knows the number hairs of your head. He will guide your steps if you let Him lead. With all of the spinning galaxies and perhaps even multiple universes that are under God's control, He knows each of us and covers us with His arm.

His power is great and will ever endure;
 His love it is gentle, peaceable and good.
But greater than all His glories I see
 Is the glorious promise that He cares for me.

If anyone knows what song this refrain is from, please let me know. I have searched and can not find it. I remember hearing it when I was in college and thinking what a powerful reminder it was of the power and majesty and the love of God toward His creation.

Dear Lord - keep us mindful of Your power, Your presence and Your protection. All this will help us trust You even when it seems dark and we feel alone. You are always with us. Let the Heavens declare your majesty. Amen.

Grace & Peace,
Mike

mhoskins@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org