It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Hebrews 10:31)

That’s a sentence that has my attention. What could be so dreadful about the hands of God? Then I remembered some of my parenting moments. There were times when our children were quite young that they would lose control. A tantrum would ensue or ever escalating inappropriate behavior. They was no reasoning with them. So, I would pick her up in my arms. She would fight against me, arms and legs struggling to be free. I, however, was too strong for her to have any hope of freedom. I would sit in the rocking chair, holding her tight until exhausted she would fall asleep. When our children were older and I could no longer hold them in such moments, they would be sent to their rooms. At times, I would have to hold the door closed to keep them in their rooms (such strong-willed children!) until exhausted they would rest or fall asleep. When that finally happened, I would enter the room and take her in my arms.

In such moments, my children wanted nothing to do with me. Being held only confirmed for them how they were in control even though what they thought was control was not helpful to anyone. I wonder when God has been that for me. When I have needed what I didn’t recognize I needed, fight against the “dreadful” arms of God? This verse has me reflecting on where I am in life today and what I may need from God that I am not yet ready and willing to receive. Am I fighting against the hands of God?

This same chapter in Hebrews also contains the words: “let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds”. Often others can see in me what I cannot see. I need other people alongside me to help me be more than I am.

Today’s readings: Isaiah 15-18; Hebrews 10