17 So it is evident that it was essential that He be made like His brethren in every respect, in order that He might become a merciful (sympathetic) and faithful High Priest in the things related to God, to make atonement and propitiation for the people’s sins.
18 For because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted (tested and tried), He is able [immediately] to run to the cry of (assist, relieve) those who are being tempted and tested and tried [and who therefore are being exposed to suffering]. (AMP)
I often ask people when they have encountered God this day or this week and usually get blank stares, shrugs, or "I don't know." Tragically, some seem to simply not care. Their world is ok, and they see no need for God until some disaster strikes. At that point we urgently cry out in anger wondering where God was and why He didn't prevent the tragedy, and demand that He do something immediately to fix it. When He doesn't, we lose faith and perhaps even blame God. Other people seem to live in anxious anticipation of an encounter with God, but expect some miraculous event that is clearly other-worldly. When the undefined event doesn't happen the same result occurs - they lose faith and interest in God.
These verses in Hebrews remind us that God is not mystical, whimsical, or "out there somewhere." He is literally living in us (those who have claimed Christ as Lord and Savior). So what keeps Him from being clearly evident in our lives each and every day? Scripture gives us clear understanding: John 16:24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. Be careful about your motives, however: James 4:3 says "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."
So we don't see God in our lives simply because we do not ask! We don't expect to see Him, because we haven't asked. We don't get help with temptation because we don't ask. These verses clearly tell me that 1) God is immediately available to help me resist temptation (so I am without excuse!), 2) It is up to me to ask for that help which means I must want help with my temptation which leads me to my final conclusion; 3) Part of making Jesus Lord of our lives is to ASK for his help with ALL of our sins. Tragically, many of us have secret (or not-so-secret) sins that we simply don't want God to take away. Somehow we see that sin as a source of happiness or fulfillment in our lives. Note, however, that John was inspired to clearly show that our joy is complete when we seek God.
How awesome is it to know that in each and every situation, relationship, decision, and event in life, God is pursuing us and has taken every initiative to be available to us. God became like us to truly be empathetic with us and, as scripture shows us, to be there immediately during temptation. It is up to us, however to ask Him to help.
Will you ask for God to reveal himself to you today? Are you open to him helping with your temptation or do you think you can find true lasting joy on your own? God leaves that up to us. Choose this day whom you will serve! (Joshua 24:15 - see what I did there?).
No comments:
Post a Comment