Open Up

 "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway from the water, and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and coming upon him"

Matthew 3:16

As the world continues to move forward from the pandemic, I consistently hear the term, “Open Up”.  It seems like the more people can be vaccinated; more establishments seem to be “opening up”.  I hear this in a variety of contexts:

·         Opening a place that may have had to be closed this past year.

·         Opening so more people may be able to enter.

·         Opening different parts of an establishment that may have had to be closed but can now reopen.

People are also using this term from an entire region perspective – Europe is opening up, or the United States is opening up.  When I think of this term, many visuals come into play.  Doors to restaurants opening.  Regions opening their borders to other visitors.  The images have certainly varied, but it has always been a strong vision of invitation.

I cannot help but make the correlation to our Heavenly Father.  He “opens up” the gates of heaven – not just for Jesus upon His baptism, but for all of us.   Jesus certainly deserves to have the gates of heaven open for him, for heaven is His home.  When the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus, He came directly from heaven.  What a beautiful sight that must have been.  The good news is that the gates of heaven will one day open for each one of us.  Just as God opened them for Jesus, He will open them for us.  He will open up heaven for our eternal home.  What an invitation that is!

Yet, I also think of Jesus’ arms opening up for us.  He is there, arms open wide, to receive us in whatever state we are in.  Whether we are happy or sad, joyous or troubled, celebrating or anxious, His arms are open wide to us – accepting us where we are.

“Our Master Jesus has his arms wide open for you.”  1 Corinthians 16:23

Let us remember that it is not just about Jesus’ opening his arms to us, but we should also be opening our arms to others – to those that need a helping hand, to those that need prayers, to those that need love.  May we be Jesus’ arms here on earth to each other – opening up ourselves to do the work that Jesus has intended us to do.

As we go about our day, and our country and establishments within the country open up, may we be reminded of the Great “I Am” who is always waiting for us with open arms and open gates.  May we rest in the assurance that through our days, Jesus is right there with us, holding us in those open arms.  The confidence that blessing shares brings a smile to my face and warmth to my heart.  May we also be the open arms to others.

Dearest Jesus, thank you for being the open arms for us.  As you have graciously opened up for us, may we open up to others and bring them the help and peace that is needed.  In your loving arms we rest, Amen!