Scripture: “And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” – Luke 15:20
Explanation of Song: Ada Habershon (1861–1918) wrote they lyrics to “He Will Hold Me Fast” in 1906 after being approached by Australian musician, Robert Harkness, to write a song about Christ’s preserving power. He wrote to Habershon after a new convert shared that he feared his faith was too weak to live the Christian life. After receiving her lyrics, he composed the music during a revival service, and 4,000 people sang it the very same evening.
Application In Luke 15, Jesus shares three parables about the restoration of a cherished item: sheep, coin, and child. In the latter part of the chapter, He speaks about the prodigal son, who chose to leave his father and join his lifestyle with that of the world. The story ends with the son returning home, ashamed, but met by a forgiving father who runs to the prodigal and wraps his arms around him, rejoicing at the return of his precious son… proclaiming, “He was lost, and is found” (Luke 15:24).
An embrace is a gesture of physical affection that happens when someone wraps their arms around another person and holds them closely. There are many synonyms for the word “embrace” such as hug, enfold, cover, welcome, cuddle and enfold. An embrace can be given for emotional support, security, and romantic feelings, etc. They vary in the type and frequency and are practiced globally. In addition to the various types of embraces, the way they are given and to whom vary from culture to culture.
One of my favorite hugs is a bear hug! Every time my hubby pulls me into his embrace and give me a long hug, I cherish it! It was such a delightful show of affection, and I know his hugs are just for me. Other hugs can be one-armed, a pat-on-the-back hug, a gentle embrace, or a quick side-to-side squeeze. Regardless of the type, a hug conveys affection from one person to another.
Did you know that God embraces us? Throughout the Bible, there are so many verses that I consider to be “hugs from God”, and each one involves His hands or arms. Here are a few of my treasured hugs from my Lord.
1. God embraces those who trust in Him.
- “Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,” – Psalm 17:8.
- I recall seeing a picture of a mother hen with wings spread over her chicks protectively. In this verse, God’s embrace covers us, keeping us safe in His arms.
2. God embraces children.
- “And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.” – Mark 10:16
- Jesus loves children, and in this passage, His embrace encompasses holding them in His arms and blessing them. What a blessing to be the recipient of this hug!
3. God embraces believers.
- “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” – Isaiah 40:11
- With Jesus as our Good Shepherd, we are His lambs, and He embraces us as He carries us in His arms close to His heart.
4. God embraces the elderly.
- “And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” – Isaiah 46:4
- Being embraced by God isn’t age-dependent. Even as a “senior saint”, He promises to carry me, and in that carrying, I am embraced close to His heart.
Throughout the Bible, we read of God reaching down to His children and embracing them. Some embraces are protective; some are comforting, and some are simply the demonstration of a Father’s love. Oh, how wonderful to be hugged by God!
Memory Verse: “Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.” – Psalm 73:23
Stretching your thoughts:
1. When is a time when you knew without a doubt that God was holding you close to His heart?
When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast;
When the tempter would prevail, He can hold me fast!
Refrain:
He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast;
For my Savior loves me so, He will hold me fast.
I could never keep my hold, He must hold me fast;
For my love is often cold, He must hold me fast. [Refrain]
I am precious in His sight, He will hold me fast;
Those He saves are His delight, He will hold me fast. [Refrain]
He'll not let my soul be lost, Christ will hold me fast;
Bought by Him at such a cost, He will hold me fast. [Refrain]
(from “He Will Hold Me Fast”by Ada R. Habershon)