Virgin of Vladimir (+ image by the hand of Stephen Allison 2008)

Sunday 2 October 2011

He has used the power of his arm

Notes of Meeting on 13 September 2011

Picture of Jesus pulling a person out a the pit of darkness.
Jesus used not only his hand but his whole forearm which he clapsed around the arm of the person. It was as if he was using his whole strength and giving every ounce of himself to save that poor soul who so nearly lost their eternity to perdition.
How much effort and care and love Jesus took in saving this soul who looked to be so nearly lost.
The words from Luke 1 v51-52 came to mind:
51He has used the power of his arm, he has routed the arrogant of heart.
52 He has pulled down princes from their thrones and raised high the lowly.
The person pulled from the pit wasn't poor in riches but poor in spirit, lacking the Holy Spirit. The person had led a life without Jesus centered on money and position and worldly things. We have all at some stage and to some extent done the same, how wonderful that with his grace the Holy Spirit worked and continues to work in us.
Jesus gave himself body and soul to to free us from the pit. His love is so great he expends himself time and again enabling his Holy Spirit to work in our lives transforming us, making us fruitful and to be like him in all things
Jesus then raised this person up. It was as though this person was now a new creation. Their heart now mirrored that of Jesus.  Jesus says "You little child are mine. I hold you in the palm of my hand."
 
Psalm 20
1 May Yahweh answer you in time of trouble, may the name of the God of Jacob protect you!
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary, give you support from Zion!
3 May he remember all your sacrifices and delight in your burnt offerings! Pause
4 May he grant you your heart's desire and crown all your plans with success!
5 So that with joy we can hail your victory and draw up our ranks in the name of our God. May Yahweh grant all your petitions.
6 Now I know that Yahweh gives victory to his anointed. He will respond from his holy heavens with great deeds of victory from his right hand.
7 Some call on chariots, some on horses, but we on the name of Yahweh our God.
8 They will crumple and fall, while we stand upright and firm.
9 Yahweh, save the king, answer us when we call.

Dear Lord,
Fill our minds with your wisdom, knowledge and discernment.
Unblock our ears and help us to listen with compassion.
Loose our tongue to speak your words of comfort.
Melt our hearts and fill them with your love.
Anoint our hands with the power of your healing and;
May we always be willing to walk the extra mile for those in need.
Amen

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