Fathers Arms
Here is a look at some things that we can experience or to even observe in others, and once more, “Cities of Refuge” is well represented all the way through, and this makes for some very interesting contemplation, and it goes somewhat like this. Many years together had built up this close relationship, then troubles and trials arrived, and then some cracks started to appear, and bits started to fall off the relationship, until it could no longer stand on its own, and the crumbling pile of disjointed “not much left” was all that was actually left, there as a pile on the ground. With one’s heart and life all battered, bruised and broken, there was only one place to rush to, my “Father’s Arms.” There in those strong comforting arms of embrace, all was compassionately soothed away, the hurt and discomfort just melted away, yes there were battle scars, but being held closely in my “Father’s Arms” nobody could ever get there to cause any more harm, safely protected, enfolded and embraced, encircled and filled with Father’s Love and compassion just healing and washing away all, the pain, the hurt and the tears, for in his arms we are safe at last, enfolded and loved beyond measure.
Luke 15:18-24 “I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put [it] on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on [his] feet: and bring hither the fatted calf, and kill [it]; and let us eat, and be merry: for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.” The “Prodigal” was forgiven, restored, protected and loved beyond measure, far beyond what he deserved, but then that is Fathers Love, when safely enfolded in my “Father’s Arms.”
Quote; “Embedded in this is lots of references to, and containing Cities of Refuge Language; Remember the list Kedesh, literally means – our sanctuary, a place that is set apart, that’s fresh, that’s pure, that’s bought, that’s holy, to be set apart for holy use. Shechem, – our strength, it’s a strong defended city, a burden bearer (literally) to incline oneself to bear a burden, literally putting ones shoulder under someone else’s burden or problem to ease the load. Hebron is a friend, city of God, one who is called the friend of God, reflects the spirit of association, close friendship. I hope you see my point that as the people of God, and where Christ dwells, we ought to be exemplifying the characteristics that we find in these cities of refuge. Bezer is our fortress, a foundation that is built on the apostles. Ramoth our home, a place of exaltation, a dwelling place where we can feel safe. Golan means enclosed or embraced or hugged a protected place of joy.”
We have a “Heavenly Father” and his love and compassion for us is almost beyond all measure. Romans 8:37-39 “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Ephesians 2:4-5 “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (for by grace ye are saved;)” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given [us] everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.” 1 John 4:10-11 “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation [Impregnable Barrier protecting from sins death] for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” Romans 5:8 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8 MSG “Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn’t, and doesn’t, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn’t been so weak, we wouldn’t have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him.”
The Bible is full of compassionate verses, which comfort us that God was in Christ Jesus wooing and calling us, and when we come, just as we are, straight from the pig pen, just like the Prodigal Son, God washes us clean, clothes us in his Royal Robes, brings us into his Father’s house, who puts his name upon us, calling us his child. Revelation 21:4 “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” In “Father’s Arms,” we have actually “Arrived Home,” so why linger any longer in the pig pen of sorrow and despair, but say, Luke 15:18 (a) “I will arise and go to my father,” so “Come Home” quickly and forever abide in the greatest love ever found, safe in my, “Father’s Arms.”
