Put Your Trust in Him
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Hebrews 2:9-18
9. But we see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for every one. 10. For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11. For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified have all one origin. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12. saying, "I will proclaim thy name to my brethren, in the midst of the congregation I will praise thee." 13. And again, "I will put my trust in him." And again, "Here am I, and the children God has given me." 14. Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15. and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage. 16. For surely it is not with angels that he is concerned but with the descendants of Abraham. 17. Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. 18. For because he himself has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.
Jesus lower than the angels? That is a pretty amazing thought! I cannot imagine his giving up his “God self” to be like us! It’s just inconceivable to me! Can you even comprehend being loved that much? To give up heaven for such as us? Absolutely unimaginable! But God has a point to make, and He knew there was only one way to make it—one indisputable, wonderful, amazing, perfect way to demonstrate his indisputable, wonderful, amazing and perfect love for us! Jesus Christ.
So much emphasis is placed on Jesus’ miracles and his crucifixion, and, of course his resurrection. And I would never want to diminish any those! But what about the times he was tempted? Remember? Before he began his ministry he went to the desert for fasting and prayer – and Satan came to him three different times—when he was famished and tired and his resources depleted. How about in the Garden before he was arrested? He asked God to take away “this cup” from him. And even on the cross, he must have felt like calling down the angels to carry him away and end his suffering.
But he didn’t give in or give up in any of these situations. Why? Some may argue that because of his divinity, he was fortified to resist temptation and to endure suffering in ways that man is not. My contention, though, is that the only thing he had that man does not – is divine faith! If he had any “extra help” his life on earth would not have been as meaningful. His suffering diminished, his temptation, a trifle, his crucifixion, a show and a sham.
He was a man. A human being. Just like us. That’s why we are considered his brothers and sisters. He became like us so that we could know and believe, in no uncertain terms, that he understands our times of temptation, of suffering, of loneliness, and of feeling completely, desolately alone. Because of his humanity, we know that we can now rely upon his divinity to comfort, sustain, encourage and love us through every situation in our lives. Because he knows how it feels. He understands as only one who has experienced it can.
That’s what God wants us to know. That he loved us enough – loves us enough – to become like us. When we pray to be saved from a painful or difficult situation or circumstance – he remembers when He prayed that same prayer. I can think of no greater comfort than to know that God has walked this earth, just like me, and cried and laughed, was tempted and afraid, was lonely and embraced by his friends. So when we go to God in prayer, we can trust that he really does understand what we’re going through. And we can rejoice in the midst of the most difficult circumstances because of the future promise won for us by God himself!
I hope today you turn over all your worries and fears, doubts and misgivings to God, knowing and believing he understands. And that you’ll rejoice in all circumstances, knowing what awaits us at the end of time.
Mary
