Everlasting Arms

(Deuteronomy 33:27) “Underneath are the everlasting arms.”

I believe it is helpful at times to glean from others. It facilitates in a way that keeps us from self absorption and helps us remain humble. The easiest way to have an opinion is to be an armchair advisor. I saw it with my colleges yesterday; we discussed the Springboks and their game against Ireland. Many were quick to blame the coach, whether they were justified in their accusations is not my point. The point I wish to make is when we stand on the outside without any accountability it has no actual bearing on what we say or do as we are just bystanders with a judgment. It will not affect the selector’s choice for the game against Wales. So to be Christians with an outlook unless we are willing to get on the field with the players and get our hands dirty then our inspection carry no heaviness. When we take a step back and look down on our lives as we inspect them, we are often left wanting. It is at times like these that others must step in and minister to us. Or we could be so focused on a particular topic that we get blindsided by it. Let’s say we harboured a grudge against another, it shouldn’t be but in reality it happens and every time we begin to have fellowship around God’s word something triggers that grudge and off we go like a steam train bearing down a mountain slope without brakes. We find we cannot let it go, why? It does not help us or others. But in reality we will encounter days in our lives where sin is victorious in one form or another or when our hope does not shine as brightly as it should and we may grow weary. What are we to do?

“God-the eternal God-is himself our support at all times, and especially when we are sinking in deep trouble. There are seasons when the Christian sinks very low in humiliation. Under a deep sense of his great sinfulness, he is humbled before God till he scarcely knows how to pray, because he appears, in his own sight, so worthless. Well, child of God, remember that when thou art at thy worst and lowest, yet “underneath” thee “are everlasting arms.” Sin may drag thee ever so low, but Christ’s great atonement is still under all. You may have descended into the deeps, but you cannot have fallen so low as “the uttermost”; and to the uttermost he saves. Again, the Christian sometimes sinks very deeply in sore trial from without. Every earthly prop is cut away. What then? Still underneath him are “the everlasting arms.” He cannot fall so deep in distress and affliction but what the covenant grace of an ever-faithful God will still encircle him. The Christian may be sinking under trouble from within through fierce conflict, but even then he cannot be brought so low as to be beyond the reach of the “everlasting arms”-they are underneath him; and, while thus sustained, all Satan’s efforts to harm him avail nothing.

This assurance of support is a comfort to any weary but earnest worker in the service of God. It implies a promise of strength for each day, grace for each need, and power for each duty. And, further, when death comes, the promise shall still hold good. When we stand in the midst of Jordan, we shall be able to say with David, “I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.” We shall descend into the grave, but we shall go no lower, for the eternal arms prevent our further fall. All through life, and at its close, we shall be upheld by the “everlasting arms”-arms that neither flag nor lose their strength, for “the everlasting God fainteth not, neither is weary.” C.H.Spurgeon

We must get our eyes off ourselves and onto others who have locked hands in the trenches in the depths of the battle zone. The skirmish rages on, but we must be reminded that we are not alone, there are also others with their eyes fixed on the Celestial City even if they are taken by the surrounding beauty at times. They will soon be reminded of the hope that is able to sustain and drive them onward like good soldiers. Remember to encourage one another, even the more as we see that day approaching.

May grace be our portion and may we love with a sincere heart and be taught to be genuine by the trails of our faith.

Signing off

Tyrone