Open Arms

Later Isaiah spoke boldly for God, saying, “I was found by people who were not looking for me. I showed myself to those who were not asking for me.” But regarding Israel, God said, “All day long I opened my arms to them, but they were disobedient and rebellious.” Romans 10:20-21

THE OPEN ARMS of a parent offer refuge, acceptance, safety, and belonging. This is the way God describes himself —arms open wide to pull a child close. God puts this picture in front of us to help us understand his posture toward us and toward our children.

We might expect a completely different posture from our heavenly Father. We might expect that his arms would be crossed in anger and frustration, or at his sides, waiting for us to make the first move. We might expect that he would want to keep us at a distance. But no. His arms are open, welcoming us to come near to be loved and cared for.

“All day long” he opens his arms to us. “All day long” is a very long time. God is patient and persistent. The day of grace has not ended, and so his arms are still open, beckoning his children to come to him.

It’s such a beautiful picture that we can hardly understand why anyone would ever refuse to be embraced in this way, why anyone would choose to disobey or rebel against such a loving Father. But that was the reality for many Jewish people who had been exposed to this revelation of the Father’s heart over a lifetime. They refused his glad welcome. It is also the reality of many today who grow up surrounded by the good news of God’s invitation but refuse to enter his embrace. Oh, that our children might run into his open arms!

Lord, I can see you there, arms open, welcoming ________ to come to you. You have extended that offer through the many sermons she has heard, prayers she has prayed, and Bible readings she’s experienced over the years. Overcome any lingering resistance so that ________ will find herself at home in your presence. Enfold ________ in an embrace that nothing on earth or in heaven will ever diminish or disturb.