Good morning. How many steps are there between you and the arms of God today? For some, it may seem like the number of steps required to fall into the arms of God without fear would be far too may to count. When the arms of God require holiness, it may seem like the distance is extreme, the number of steps insurmountable.
If the steps required mean that the drunk not only quits drinking, but also heals the wounds caused by their failures, those are a lot of steps. If the steps required were to be counted by someone addicted to pornography, and holiness was not only in leaving the sin behind but also in healing the brokenness of body, soul, and relationships, that is a serious number of steps. Perhaps so many tit may seem impossible.
If the steps required mean that the person who has always turned away from God, who has steadfastly refused the comfort of Jesus,who has denied the possibility of forgiveness through the blood of the lamb and scoffed at fellowship and worship, how far away is that person? How many steps are needed for them to find the arms of God without fear and with the confidence bought by the sacrifice of our Savior?
Jesus said, “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 How many steps are needed to find that rest?
Jesus said, “It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught of God.’ Everyone who has heard from, and learned from the Father, comes to me.” John 6:45
Jesus said, Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my words and believes Him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgement, but has passed from death into life. John 5:24
Did you catch it? It was there in that last verse: “whoever.” Jesus says that the lost, and the hurting, and the needful, must come to Him. Coming to Him does not mean judgement, it means life. It doesn’t matter what kind of sin has claimed you, what kind of pain has found you, what kind of shame owns you. All that matters is that you come to Jesus, that you take the step of faith and salvation. That you take the step of cleansing and of freedom.
How many steps? One. One great step, and His name is Jesus.
Vern