I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand (John 10:28-29).

No one acts as righteously as God requires or loves as fully as he desires. Because of our weaknesses we cannot hold onto God. He must hold on to us!

How does that work? I think of what theologian Francis Schaeffer once called the “empty hands of faith.” We come to God holding to no claim of our goodness or ability. We reach for him with empty hands, in humility and thankfulness acknowledging our need of the power of Jesus’ work on the cross.

Why does that work? My answer brings to mind the way I played with our children when they were small. I would lie on a top bunk bed and lower my hand so that they could hold on as I raised them skyward.

But, as their feet would get only inches off the floor, they would call out in panic, “Daddy, I can’t hold onto you. Hold onto me.” Then, I would close my hand over theirs, and hold them safely on the heavenward trip.

So, also God holds onto us when we confess that we cannot hold onto him. His grip is sure and no one is able to snatch us from his hand.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the assurance that no one can snatch me from your hand. Please keep my hand empty of any claim of merit so that all that holds me for heaven is you!