Safe in His Hands

Have you ever played a game of tug of war? It is a lot of fun, isn't it? I brought a piece of rope this morning and I thought it would be fun to play a game of tug of war -- me against one of you. First, I need an opponent. Let's see, who thinks they can win a game of tug of war against me? (Choose one of the children to be your opponent.) I will hold onto one end of this piece of rope and "Johnny" will hold onto the other end. When I say, "Go," we will both pull on the rope and try to pull the other person across this line on the floor. Are you ready? One, two, three, GO! (Let the tug of war go on for a short time before you pull the child across the line.)

I won! I won! (Perhaps you might celebrate with a few "high fives" before resuming the lesson.) Now, I know that some of you are probably thinking to yourself, "Of course you won. You are much bigger and much stronger than any of us." Do you know what? You're right! It was no match.

In our Bible lesson today, a group of people were gathered around Jesus. They asked him whether they should believe that he was the Messiah. Jesus told them that to those who believe in him, he gives eternal life and they will never die. "No one can snatch them from my hand," he said. Now who would be trying to snatch God's children out of his hand? That's right! Satan! It is as if there is a tug of war going on between Jesus and Satan.

The Bible tells us that the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8) He wants to destroy us, but if we put our faith and trust in God, he will care for us and hold us safely in the palm of his hand. Satan will try to snatch us out of his hand, but Jesus said "My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand."

Isn't it good to know that we are safe when we put our life in God's hands? As the Apostle Paul told Timothy, "I know the One in Whom I have put my trust. I am sure He is able to keep safe that which I have trusted to Him until the day He comes again." (2 Timothy 1:12 NLV) No one can take us from him -- not even Satan himself! He is no match for our God!

Dear Father, we place our lives in your hands. Hold us and protect us from the evil one. Amen.