Holding Hands
What a lovely vision appears in this devotional entry–”God, through Christ reaching out to meet us.” I love the picture of God taking me by the hand!
Wiltschek mentions the research-proven need we have for contact with other humans. He says that is how we are wired. I am a very tactile person, and I have been guilty of startling others as I reach to touch them when we chat in person. During COVID isolation, that human touch of in-person contact has been limited. No wonder we are eager to gather together again! In the meantime, what a comfort to envision God’s reaching out to take us by the hand.
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That's really thought-provoking, Chris. I looked at today's verses again. The first part of verse 6 says, "I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness . . ." I don't hear coercion in that, but I do capture a sense of responsibility for the people, who are to be righteous. Maybe I'm reading too much into that because I know that in the Old Testament the Israelites, as a nation and as individuals, were often punished when they were not towing the line. Does God use consequences to persuade and guide us?
Verse 6 continues with, "I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people." That sounds more like a call to duty. It's not coercing, but it's pretty strong direction.
Perhaps in God's role as our Heavenly parent, that strength of direction--and associated consequences--are appropriate. I felt better, though, when I was thinking of God holding my hand, all safe and cozy.
Is it human nature to turn to what feels comfortable instead of to what feel like a call to action and responsibility?
Thanks, Chris, for prompting us to look more deeply at this passage.