His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back? – Isaiah 14:27
When God stretches out His hand or arm, it’s an act of power and authority—issuing a decree, pronouncing judgment, or performing an act of deliverance. The Bible features instances of God’s outstretched hand or arm throughout the Old Testament. It also describes creation coming into being by His outstretched arm. “Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you” (Jeremiah 32:17).
God is the supreme and final authority. The Bible says Judgment Day is coming where a person’s works will be evaluated. Salvation comes from faith in Christ alone, but unsatisfactory works will be judged, and good works will be rewarded. Jesus said to lay up treasures in Heaven. You can do that by meeting the needs of the helpless, helping the afflicted, comforting the grieving, encouraging the downhearted, giving to the poor, serving the weak, praying for lost souls, and, generally, considering others’ needs as important as your own.
James says, “I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:18). He describes clothing the naked and feeding the hungry. What goals are you aiming for in this New Year? As you think about your annual goals and plans, remember the eternal goal of hearing your Heavenly Father say, “Well done good and faithful servant” (Matthew 5:21). Pray for a great revival in this country so that loving God and loving each other will become top priority on every to-do list.
Today’s Verse: Isaiah 14:27
For the Lord of hosts has purposed,
and who will annul it?
His hand is stretched out,
and who will turn it back?
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Matthew 25:31-45
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
