Open and Outstretched Arms

"But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!" Jude 1:20-21 (The Message)

I was listening to a sermon online (because unfortunately I have worked just about every single Sunday morning this entire summer) and the pastor mentioned this verse from Jude and it really jumped out at me. #1 because Jude is not a book I often hear quoted in church #2 It's just got alot of good stuff in it!

So I took a closer look at the book of Jude (according to The Message). v1 "I, Jude, am a slave to Jesus Christ" (whoa. This is already bringing me to my knees and I just read the first 8 words.) v3 "I've dropped everything to write you about this life of salvation...fight with everything you have in you for this faith entrusted to us as a gift to guard and cherish"

I read just a few verses and God is speaking volumes to me. How would I introduce myself..."I, Rachel, am mostly obedient to Jesus Christ...I, Rachel, am a worker for Jesus Christ who sometimes takes time off, wants to call in sick, or give my 2 week notice". If I were being completely honest with myself it would probably be the latter description. I am moved my Jude's sense of urgency..."I've dropped everything to write you..." The lights should be flashing now...PAY ATTENTION! What I am about to say is highly important! And what does Jude say? "...fight with everything you have..." I have done more babysitting than I care to tell and I have seen alot of different things. Sometimes kids are highly competitive. Sometimes kids can throw some mighty big tantrums. Sometimes they color with such vigor that it is as if their life depends on this one picture they are creating. It is cute and humorous to watch a young toddler gripping a crayon with such intensity and concentration, their knuckles white from the tight hold, their eyes glued to the piece of paper. That little toddler colors with everything they have in them, all of their strength and thought is put into this simple act. When I think of "fighting with everything I have for my faith" I want to be like that child who is so focused and determined to color that nothing else matters.

Remember to stay "in the center of God's love" with "arms open and outstretched". When a small child walks up to you and simply puts their arms up, open, wanting to be held it melts your heart. As a mother or father or simply the babysitter you cannot help but reach down and pick that child up and hold them in your arms. It is like an instant reflex. I believe it is the same way with God. When we put our arms up and open, outstretched, His instant reflex is to reach down and pick us up and hold us in His arms.