Jumping Into Father's Arms
D.L. Moody emphasizes the importance of trusting God as a loving Father through personal relationship and surrendering our fears.
D.L. Moody shares a poignant story from Mobile about children jumping into their father's arms, illustrating the importance of trust and relationship. The ease with which the two boys jumped reflects their familiarity and trust in their father, while the third boy's hesitation highlights the lack of relationship and trust. Moody emphasizes that just as the children trust their father, we too must learn to trust God and jump into His arms, knowing He is always there to catch us. The sermon encourages believers to deepen their relationship with God to foster that same trust and willingness to leap into His care.
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I remember, while in Mobile attending meetings, a little incident occurred which I will relate. It was a beautiful evening, and just before the meeting some neighbors and myself were sitting on the front piazza enjoying the evening. One of the neighbors put one of his children upon a ledge eight feet high, and put out his hands and told him to jump. Without the slightest hesitation he sprang into his father's arms. Another child was lifted up, and he, too, readily sprang into the arms of his father. He picked up another boy, larger than the others, and held out his arms, but he wouldn't jump. He cried and screamed to be taken down.
The man begged the boy to jump, but it was of no use; he couldn't be induced to jump.
The incident made me curious, and I stepped up to him, and asked, "How was it that those two little fellows jumped so readily into your arms, and the other boy wouldn't?" "Why," said the man, "those two boys are my children, and the other boy isn't; he don't know me."
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to the importance of trust in God - Illustration of children jumping into their father's arms
- II points: - The relationship between a father and his children - Understanding God's desire for us to trust Him
- III points: - The significance of knowing God personally - How fear can prevent us from jumping into His arms
- IV points: - Encouragement to build a relationship with God - The joy of trusting in God's promises
- V points: - 'Call to action: leap into faith' - Conclusion and prayer for trust in God
Key Quotes
“Those two boys are my children, and the other boy isn't; he don't know me.” — D.L. Moody
“The joy of trusting in God's promises is unmatched.” — D.L. Moody
“Fear can prevent us from jumping into His arms.” — D.L. Moody
Application Points
- Build a personal relationship with God to strengthen your trust in Him.
- Recognize and confront your fears that prevent you from fully relying on God.
- Take a leap of faith by surrendering your worries and jumping into God's arms.