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"He (Simeon) took Him (Jesus) up in his arms and blessed God" (Luke 2:28). "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms" (Deuteronomy 33:27).

Over fifty years ago Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote a song that most of us have probably sung and many will know the words by heart, "Because he Lives". Of course the chorus is most familiar:

The second verse of the song starts with the line, "How sweet to hold a newborn baby" which comes to mind as we consider today's first Bible text concerning a devout man named Simeon who held the infant Jesus in his arms at the time Joseph and Mary presented Him to the Lord (Luke 2:22). We wrote a message on that text several years ago but I consider today how Simeon held in his arms the same God who holds us in His everlasting arms!

Our second Scripture portion is among the final words of Moses that he spoke to the new generation just prior to his death, and prior to their move into the Promised Land. "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms" (Deuteronomy 33:27). He wanted the Israelites to have a deep assurance of God's protection and care at this major point of transition in their lives. Joshua would soon assume leadership and they would be crossing the Jordan River to their new home.

There likely was great comfort in Moses' steady leadership and at the same time the future was full of uncertainty and uncharted territory. After all, the preceding generation had spied out the land and seen giants! But God had not led them out of Egypt to drift indefinitely through the wilderness. There was a long-standing promise to be fulfilled which went all the way back to Abraham.

Although this wonderful truth in today's verse was initially given to the Israelites about 3,400 years ago, it has timeless application for all of God's children in every generation. This December 30, 2024 we have an assurance of refuge in an eternal God and security in His everlasting arms!

"The eternal God is your refuge". I like to change the pronoun here as expression of my faith, "The eternal God is my refuge". Refuge is a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble. "Refuge" is used most frequently in the Psalms such as the familiar "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1). It is however used only once in the New Testament in Hebrews, "We who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us" (Hebrews 6:18).

"Underneath are the everlasting arms". The phrase "everlasting arms" is theologically known as an anthropomorphism which is a figure of speech representing God as having human characteristics, form or personality. This phrase "everlasting arms" is only found in this text.

Today especially as we face a new year we all need this same peace and assurance this truth surely gave the ancient children of Israel. But some do especially. Hardly a day goes by that we do not receive a call or email or personally see someone in distress. Some of you are facing very difficult circumstances. Perhaps you're waiting for a call that may very well change the direction of your life. Others have lost a loved one and this Christmas season has been especially difficult. Some of you are dealing with discouragement concerning hardships in life.

But today join us in declaring, "The eternal God is my refuge and I have peace resting in His everlasting arms!"

Many of you know this song. Sing or hum its melody today and be reminded of our eternal God and His everlasting arms!

Be encouraged today, Hebrews 3:13

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, we identify with the Israelites who surely had concerns and fears regarding their future as they journeyed into uncharted territory. We are comfortable with the familiar and can easily worry about the unknown. But we find peace and refuge in You, our eternal God, when we experience the unfamiliar as we learn to trust You for all that concerns us. It is in Your everlasting arms that we find a place of reassurance, comfort, peace and rest. Your arms never grow weary nor do they turn us away as we come to You for strength, courage and support.  Amen.