Arms of Mercy

God's tender care can never be compared to any human kindness we have experienced.

Isaiah describes the Lord's tenderness like a shepherd in chapter 40:11, "He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young." Likewise, the beloved disciple freely rested his head on the Lord's chest during supper (John 13:25).

Such is the tenderness of God. He cares to invite and welcome us into His arms. God's tenderness is not limited to a few special individuals. Nor is it conditioned on how well we behaved or performed. Think of how a stone cold person melts in His Presence, children are swept up into His loving arms, and the broken and abused find safety in His embrace.

When David sinned after taking a census of Israel he had to select one of three punishments. There was famine, running from the enemy for three months or a horrible plague.

David's response is very telling because he understood the heart of God. It says in I Chronicles 21:13, "And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let me fall now into the hand of the LORD; for very great are his mercies: but let me not fall into the hand of man."

We can be sure that if we should fail, God will not crush us with His mighty hand. True, we might be chastened for disobedience but God is tender toward us so that we can be restored.

One final word. Don't let pride keep you from His arms of mercy. If you cling to sinful habits or lusts, you will miss out of what it is to be in His protective and loving arms. Let it go! He will catch you in His strong, loving arms.