Good morning: “Excuse me, could you reach that box on the top shelf?” asked an elderly woman at the grocery store. I was glad to help in that small way. It’s nice to have long arms, but we all know the frustration of wanting or needing something that is beyond our grasp. Even the arms of an NBA superstar can only reach so far. How long are God’s arms? There was a time when Moses questioned whether they were long enough and strong enough to feed millions of Israelites in the wilderness. He asked, “Would they have enough if all the fish in the sea were caught for them?” (Num. 11:22). God replied, “Is the LORD’S arm too short?” He then provided Israel with more quail than they could possibly eat. For the next 40 years the Lord fed the people with manna six mornings a week without fail. Do you find yourself wondering at times whether the Lord’s arm is long enough to reach into your life and provide what you need, things such as the strength to get through a long day or rough week, patience to deal with difficult people, wisdom to raise your children, or money to fill the gas tank? Rest assured that there is nothing beyond the Lord’s reach. Nothing is too far away, nothing is too difficult for the Creator of the universe. He opens His hand and satisfies the desires of every living thing. When Peter was on the verge of drowning, the Lord’s hand was there to reach down and pull him to safety. The Lord tells us to call upon Him with the confidence that He will deliver us and give us reason to praise Him. The greatest demonstration of the Lord’s saving reach into our world is Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Isaiah writes, “To whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?” The prophet goes on to describe all that Jesus would do for us: “Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows...He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Is. 53:1ff.). Do you need something today that’s beyond your reach: forgiveness for a week’s worth of sin, peace of conscience, help with earthly burdens, purpose to life? Ask the One whose arm is never too short to save. In His name, Pastor Services tomorrow are at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services. Sunday school begins at 9:15 a.m. Adult Bible class meets at 9:30 a.m. We will be looking at Bible translation problems and concerns.
