This stained glass window may be found in the bell tower of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Webster City, Iowa. This scene of Jesus welcomes worshipers as they enter the main doors into the church. It's not certain what particular verse of Scripture inspired this stained glass scene. Yet, it stands very appropriately as an invitation for people to come and to consider themselves welcome in the arms of the LORD, Jesus Christ.
Open arms bring us comfort and security. Little children
know this, as they often seek the arms of parents and
other loved ones. For, a loving embrace says so much and
does so much to give us a lift. It's a source of comfort to
have someone hold us when we feel down. It is a source
of reassurance when we feel scared, a source of strength
when we feel weak. Open arms are a clear signal, an
invitation of acceptance, of being welcomed and loved.
Throughout His Word, God gives us His invitation. He
urges us to look to Him, to trust Him and put our hope in
His promises. He wants us to believe everything that He
has done for us in the suffering, death and resurrection of
His Son, Jesus Christ.
Through His prophet, Isaiah, God invites us to:
"Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David." Isaiah 55:3 (NIV)
Isaiah also describes God's tender love for us:
"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close
to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)
Jesus ever stands before us, with His arms open wide. He invites everyone, and His love is freely given to all. Yet, we often fail to see Him, or worse, we deliberately turn away. The disciple, John recorded the Lord's stern comment about this, as Jesus said:
"...yet you refuse to come to me to have life." John 5:40 (NIV)
Through faith, Jesus comes to us and promises to be with us, at all times, no matter what our circumstances. While in His loving embrace, He tenderly speaks forgiveness for our sins. He holds us, giving us His life and strength, whenever we are weak, or scared, or feel defeated. Whenever our lives seem hopelessly lost, totally out of control, or we are in desperate need of refreshment and rest, Jesus declares: "Come to me...and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
The words of an old Hymn state:
"My soul's best Friend, what joy and blessing my spirit ever finds in Thee!
From gloomy depths of doubt distressing, into Thine arms for rest I flee.
There will the night of sorrow vanish, when from my heart Thy love doth banish, all anguish and all pain and fear.
Yes, here on earth begins my heaven; who would not joyful be when given, a loving Savior always near! A loving Savior always near! "
("My Soul's Best Friend, What Joy and Blessing"- by Wolfgang C. Dessler, 1692)
The Psalms offer this prayer to the Lord:
"May your unfailing love come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise; ...Let your compassion come to me that I may live..." Psalm 119:41 & 77 (NIV)
The Lord Jesus is truly the loving Savior who is always near, with arms open wide.
