Merry Christmas, everyone! Thanks for continuing to read along with us!

     Day 2: El Shaddai

One of the names attributed to God in the Old Testament was El Shaddai. The name is often translated into English as God Almighty or perhaps God of Heaven. Some scholars, however, have noticed a similarity in the name El Shaddai to other ancient languages, and have translated it as God of the two breasts. The imagery of the name isn’t to be feminine or sexual, but is instead a picture of God standing with arms wide open, both inviting and encouraging us to come close to Him so that He may wrap His arms around us.

We see this same imagery in the life of Jesus throughout His ministry as well. In Mark 10:16, Jesus took children into His open arms. In Luke 15 within the parable of the Prodigal Son, the father welcomed his son home with arms open wide. We also see it in Matthew 11:28, as Jesus says, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

As you read today, consider this: Do you struggle to think about God as having His arms wide open, both inviting and encouraging you to be close to Him?

In what ways does the name given to Jesus, Immanuel (God with us) prove that God really does want to be close to you?

READING:

     LUKE 15:11-32

Do you struggle to think about God as having His arms wide open, both inviting and encouraging you to be close to Him?

In what ways does the name given to Jesus, Immanuel (God with us) prove that God really does want to be close to you?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: 1 Samuel 19 & 20

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

Heavenly Father, I confess that I don’t always think of You as being there with arms wide open, inviting and encouraging me to be close to You. But this is exactly who You are! This is Your nature. This is your character. This is how You want me to see You, and this is who You want me to be for others.

Throughout the remainder of the week, I pray for opportunities to be available with arms wide open for others. Specifically, I pray for opportunities to be available to love and encourage these individuals: (______), (______), and (______). I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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