Having stopped for a wee rest from work this morning, I’ve started watching a program about pilgrimage, and at the moment the presenter is being shown through Lincoln Cathedral.
The minister there was talking about the shape of the cathedral as a cross being a picture of the out stretched arms of Jesus on the cross welcoming us into the Kingdom.
I’ve never ‘seen’ that before but I now love that picture!
When my granddaughter was younger I used to open my arms in welcome, inviting her to toddle, and then later, to run to me.
My outstretch arms were a sign for her that I was ready for hugs and cuddles, and she would run over without a second thought.
It was a sign of welcome, and I now see the outstretched arms of Jesus on the cross as the most amazing sign of welcome.
As Jesus died His arms were wide-open, not just welcoming you but also welcoming in the New Covenant.
I find it rather reassuring that Jesus had His arms open wide as He died and fulfilled the law and ended the Old Covenant.
Under the New Covenant everyone is welcome, be he or she Jew or Gentile, man or woman, slave or freeman.
The good news my friend is that Jesus is no longer on the cross, but His arms are still open wide, ready for you to toddle or run to Him.
Are you ready to run into those welcoming and loving arms, or are you in them already?
Speak this out today…..”Thank you Lord for the finished work of Jesus Christ and thank you for our welcome into the New Covenant”.
John 19 v 30…..When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost
Heilan Word Ministries 