Friday, September 26, 2014

What A Friend!


“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.  Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14-16 NIV)

Yesterday, I quoted out of Colossians 1, where Paul describes the centrality of Jesus to all of life and creation.  Everything, as Paul so eloquently describes, was created through Him and for Him.  But, as the Scriptures tell us repeatedly, the Lord’s ultimate creation—human beings—rejected His superiority over them and decided to live for themselves and by their own rules and convictions.  

In the face of such rejection, it would be natural to think, from our perspective, that the Creator would not tolerate such rejection and exact brutal punishment.  Yet, instead of coming in vengeance, He came in humility to live among us and live like us in order to create a path to reconciliation for all who desired it.  

But He also did something else.  By living among us in the flesh, Jesus experienced life as we do.  He experienced all the trials, temptations, and joys of life in this world.  He understands us and our struggles.  So not only did He pave the way for us to be reconciled to God and live in Eternity, He also is present to help us now while we make our way through life in this world.  

Today, recognize, just as that old hymn reminds us, what a friend we have in Jesus!  He knows what you are going through.  He understands the difficulties of your life.  And He is ready and willing to help you through them.  All you have to do is ask.

© Jim Musser 2014

No comments: