November 13, 2013
Few things are as encouraging and helpful as someone who truly understands us, and our situation. Savvy as they are in the business world, Bill Gates, Donald Trump, or Warren Buffett probably couldn't relate to our financial struggles and situation.
A distorted view of Jesus can also cause us to see Him as one who doesn't truly understand us. The "fully-God-in-human-form" belief makes Him out to be One who couldn't possibly sin or fail. And, as such, He can't possibly relate to us frail and imperfect humans. Consider, however, this true reality:
"For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:15-16)
Pause for a moment and zero in on this amazing statement: "tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin". Perhaps it's a little troubling to think of God's Son struggling with things like greed, lust, anger, and envy. Granted, He overcame these things, but He actually grappled with them - as we do. Wouldn't you just love to ask Him, "How did you do it? How did you overcome? How did you avoid succumbing to that which I have not always been successful with?" The specifics of HOW aren't nearly as important as the fact that He DID overcome. And, since He did, "He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted". Uniquely knowing our weakness and need puts Him in the ideal position to appropriate the resources of our Father to help us overcome.
It is a huge encouragement to know today that whatever struggle or temptation comes our way is well understood by the One who pleads our case constantly before the Father. There is nothing that you and I will face that Jesus hasn't already faced. And, because He understands, He readily helps.
The priority today is to "draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need".
The victory is already ours in Him. Go with confidence.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
A distorted view of Jesus can also cause us to see Him as one who doesn't truly understand us. The "fully-God-in-human-form" belief makes Him out to be One who couldn't possibly sin or fail. And, as such, He can't possibly relate to us frail and imperfect humans. Consider, however, this true reality:
"For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:15-16)
Pause for a moment and zero in on this amazing statement: "tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin". Perhaps it's a little troubling to think of God's Son struggling with things like greed, lust, anger, and envy. Granted, He overcame these things, but He actually grappled with them - as we do. Wouldn't you just love to ask Him, "How did you do it? How did you overcome? How did you avoid succumbing to that which I have not always been successful with?" The specifics of HOW aren't nearly as important as the fact that He DID overcome. And, since He did, "He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted". Uniquely knowing our weakness and need puts Him in the ideal position to appropriate the resources of our Father to help us overcome.
It is a huge encouragement to know today that whatever struggle or temptation comes our way is well understood by the One who pleads our case constantly before the Father. There is nothing that you and I will face that Jesus hasn't already faced. And, because He understands, He readily helps.
The priority today is to "draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need".
The victory is already ours in Him. Go with confidence.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
posted by steve @ 7:09 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home