The Everlasting Arms
INTRODUCTION – Deut. 33:27-29 – The figure of speech “the everlasting arms” is a memorable one. Let us consider this helpful anthropomorphism.
1. GOD’S EVERLASTING ARMS ARE A PROMISE.
This specific promise was given to the nation of Israel and fulfilled (in part) in the book of Joshua. At times, due to their disobedience to the Mosaic covenant, God’s people the Israelites did not inhabit the Promised Land. However, because of God’s unilateral and unconditional covenant with Abraham, God brings His people back; He keeps His promises, His everlasting promises. When God blesses, there is never just one blessing; we are blessed in at least four ways. First is the blessing itself. Second is the knowledge that God has blessed. Third is the sharing of the blessing. Fourth is the answering of prayer (even if the blessing is not a specific answer to a specific prayer, we are always praying for good things to happen to people). God’s everlasting arms are a promise, a promise kept.
2. GOD’S EVERLASTING ARMS ARE PERSONAL.
Isaiah 46:3, 4 – The nation of Israel is spoken of here again. The language of these verses extends to each individual Israelite. The background is the disruptive and devastating captivity in Babylon. We all have experienced things that we did not anticipate, that we did not want. Despite these unexpected events and inexplicable circumstances, we have never actually hit bottom, for “underneath are the everlasting arms.”
3. GOD’S EVERLASTING ARMS ARE PROPHETIC.
Jesus Christ, God the Son, fulfills the Old Testament (Matthew 5:17, 18). Jesus was born of a virgin and of the Holy Spirit. Thus, Jesus had a real body with real arms. What did He do with these everlasting arms? In Mark 10:13-16, we find that He took the little children into His arms and blessed them. If we are helping the little ones (including the unborn little ones), we are doing God’s work. In John 19:17, we see Jesus carrying the Cross; almost unfathomably, underneath the Cross are the everlasting arms. In the next verse, we observe these arms stretched out on the Cross; the everlasting arms are stretched out to embrace anyone who will respond to Jesus in faith.
CONCLUSION – Colossians 1:16, 17 – the KJV word “consist” means “held together.” From the entire universe to each irreducibly complex single cell, from the atmosphere and the Van Allen belt to you and to me, Jesus offers an eternal embrace. Let Jesus hold you; let Jesus hug you for eternity. Trust in His finished work of salvation; ask Him to be your Savior. May you and I have certainty in Christ Jesus, complete certainty nestled in the everlasting arms of the Savior.
2019-10-07