For they are your people and your heritage, whom you brought out by your great power and by your outstretched arm. Duet. 9:29
Every morning, I wake up to the sounds and voices of my children calling or crying for me. As I go to the crib of my youngest, her outstretched arms invite me to pick her up. I do not hesitate to comfort her and make her feel safe in my arms. Someday, I know those little ones won’t need me to hold or carry them, but for now they are my little alarm clocks.
Moses, a key figure in Israel’s history, held up his arms to part the Red Sea. He held up his arms and the Israelites were victorious in battle. His boldest move was holding up his arms in intercession for the people of Israel. For 40 days and 40 nights, he pleaded for their redemption. (Duet. 9:25-29). He knew that God alone could redeem with His outstretched arm.
Throughout the Israelites’ journey in captivity, wandering in the wilderness, entering the Promised land, and being held captive again in Babylon, God’s power was evident. God’s redemptive plan and outstretched arm was always there to save.
On the cross, God displayed His redemptive plan through Jesus’ outstretched arms – taking upon himself the sins of the entire world. On the third day, God stretched out His arm to remove the stone – revealing His victory. His plan of redemption was complete – inviting all to come to His banquet.
As we celebrate Easter with family and friends, remember God’s outstretched arms inviting you to the greatest feast of all. Extend your arms in faith and freely feast with Him.
Outstretched Arm
Powerful. Redemptive. Victorious. Inviting.
How do I respond to God’s outstretched arm to me?
How much do I rely upon Him?
O LORD, be gracious to us; we wait for you.
Be our arm every morning,
our salvation in the time of trouble.
Isaiah 33:2