“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” — John 10:28
That verse is like a treasure box full of incredible love! The promised assurance and safety coming from the mouth of Jesus grips my heart every time I read it! And it’s these specific words that have really struck me: “no one will snatch them out of my hand.” Jesus is saying that we are so secure in His hands, that nothing can loosen His grip.
As a parent myself, there’s an element of the Father-heart of God I can really resonate with. For example, when I’m with my son, in a crowd of hundreds of people, I will tell him, “Honey, I need you to hold my hand.” Or, when I’m walking through the neighborhood with my daughter, and see a big dog up ahead, I pick up my girl and tell her, “Daddy needs to hold you.” Every parent knows exactly what I’m talking about. It’s that natural instinct (like a momma bear) saying, “Nobody is going to hurt my little cubs and over my dead body is someone going to harm my babies!”
In an even more powerful and divine way, this is Jesus’ heart when He passionately proclaims, “no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
Jesus’ promise to protect us is driven by the incredible love He has for us. There is NO ONE and NOTHING strong enough to ever break God’s grip on us. It doesn’t matter what troubles or temptations are ahead. It doesn’t matter what burdens or trials are in this life. It doesn’t matter what lies the world and the devil scream at us. We are in His grip.
Oh, how I hope that thought fills you with gratitude and love for Him — it sure does for me. I have a challenge for you today. I want you to go step out onto your front porch; or, walk out into the parking lot at work. Take a minute to admire all of the blooming flowers and trees. Take a look at the snow that’s slowly melting off the mountain tops. Follow the clouds as they move ever so slowly and carelessly through the sky. Then, I want you to take some time to meditate and respond to this truth…. The God who creates and sustains everything you see is the same God who grips you tightly in His hand. WOW!
Our assurance of eternity is secure because of the great love of God revealed to us in Christ. The God who became man, to take away the sins of the world. By His death and resurrection, Jesus has purchased (for Himself) a people to shower this love and grace upon. Forever. A love so severe that He says, “no one will snatch them out of my hand.” That’s His promise to you.
We are eternally safe in the hands of God.
Posted in A Word from the Pastor