Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

Arms of love

Monday, April 18, 2011

Isaiah 42:1-3
God says, "Here is my servant, my chosen one in whom I am well pleased. I will put my Spirit on him, and he will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. Even a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.

There is a gentleness about God that balances out the Righteous One Who Created All and Will Bring Evil to Its Knees. Isaiah's words remind me that I never need be afraid of climbing into Jesus' lap.

This servant, this "chosen one in whom his Father is well pleased" is safe haven for every one of us. He is So Gentle that he won't hurt what in me might already be nearly broken. He made me to bend but not break. He leads me beside the quiet stream of living waters and shows me how to plant myself there.

And the breath of Jesus never threatens to burn out what little fire I still have in me. His Spirit blows ever and always gently on the leftover sparks. He waits with such infinite patience for those tiny sparks to turn back into hot coals.

It's only strong arms that I notice being gentle, because they can be so Otherwise. So carelessly strong and then ... I get hurt. Didn't you notice where you were swinging that big ham? I don't think I will ever need to say that to Jesus. He notices everything about me, and knows just how to use his strength in my life.

Jesus says we will go on to "do even greater things," and part of what I think he means is responding to what he gives us by providing the safest arms we can for each other. All the way from here to the ends of the earth.

After 60 years of ministry, talking to Mitch Albom, here is what 90 year old Albert Lewis says about why he became a rabbi (from Have a Little Faith):

It is summer and we are sitting in his office. I ask the Reb (Mitch's affectionate nickname for Albert) why he thinks he became a rabbi.
He counts his fingers.
"Number one, I always liked people.
"Number two, I love gentleness.
"Number three, I have patience.
"Number four, I love teaching.
"Number five, I am determined in my faith.
"Number six, it connects me to my past.
"Number seven - and lastly - it allows me to fulfill the message of our tradition: to live good, to do good, and to be blessed."
I didn't hear God in there, I say. He smiles.
"God was there before number one."

Before you, Lord, without what you give, there would be no numbers at all. After what you give, there is nothing else to do but give it all away.

Devotions Archive

Arms of love

Monday, April 18, 2011