IN HIS GRIP

IN HIS GRIP

READ:

Romans 8:31-39

I press on, that I may lay hold

of that for which Christ Jesus

has also laid hold of me.

-Philippians 3:12

When we cross a busy street with small children in tow, we put out our hand and say, “Hold on tight,” and our little ones grasp our hand as tightly as they can.  But we would never depend on their grasp.  It is our grip on their hand that holds them and keeps them secure.  So Paul insists. “Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me” (Philippians 3:12).  Or more exactly, “Christ has a grip on me!”

One thing is certain:  It is not our grip on God that keeps us safe, but the power of Jesus’ grasp.  No one can take us out of His grasp-not the devil, not even ourselves.  Once we’re in His hands, He will not let go.

We have this assurance:  “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.  My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand” (John 10:28-29).

Doubly safe:  Our Father on one side and our Lord and Savior on the other, clasping us in a viselike grip.  These are the hands that shaped the mountains and oceans and flung the stars into space.  Nothing in this life or the next “shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39). – David Roper

Father, I thank You for the nail-pierced hands

that reached out in love and took me by my hand.

You have led me by Your right hand throughout life.

I trust You to hold me and keep me safe to the end.

******************************************

The One who saved us

is the one who keeps us.

INSIGHT

In Romans 5-8, Paul told the Roman Christians what Christ had done to save them and of the benefits they now had in Him.  Today’s passage is Paul’s joyous concluding affirmation and celebration of God’s protection and providential care.  By quoting from Psalm 44:22 (in Romans 8:36), Paul makes the point that Christians are not exempt from afflictions, sufferings, or death (v.35).  Even so, we need not fear because “God is for us” (v.31).

Have a blessed day and New Year 2014

God Our Creator’s Love Always

Unity & Peace