ICS Daily Devotions
Betrayed but Not Alone
Hebrews 4:15-16 (NKJV) For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
We are able to take comfort that Jesus is actually our High Priest who went through all kinds of suffering even death on the cross. Jesus is able to empathize and sympathize with us because He went through tremendous sufferings while He was on earth.
He was betrayed by one of His disciples with a kiss. Judas betrayed and handed Jesus to the persecutors for 30 pieces of silver. Can you imagine the sense of hurt that comes with the betrayal of someone whom you love dearly? Maybe you have been betrayed by your loved one, colleague, friend or boss…Jesus is able to empathize with you.
If this has happened to us, we should take some time to pray and speak to the Lord regarding this betrayal that may have happened. We should give the person who betrayed us over to the Lord. Ask God to grant us the strength to extend grace in forgiving this person. Let us also ask the Lord to help us and grant us the grace to trust again. Tell Him about the emotional pain, suffering and turmoil that we are experiencing. Hand them over to the Lord. The Lord will restore us, journey and strengthen us during this difficult period as we recover from this tribulation.
Jesus was forsaken by the Heavenly Father when our sins were placed on Him as He hung on the cross of Calvary. It was the first time the close fellowship between the Heavenly Father and Jesus was broken because of the sin issue that was placed on Him. The Father had to turn His face away from Jesus so that we could have our relationship restored with God. Therefore, God wants you to know that you are not alone although you may feel lonely, and that He has placed the Holy Spirit in us. The Holy Spirit is our helper, comforter and teacher especially during times of need. We are not alone even though it may seem like we are facing these tribulations by ourselves.
We should be thankful that the Word of God promises us that God will never leave us nor forsake us. He is present with us through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. The Holy Spirit is our comforter and the person who ministers peace in our lives. Let us come before the throne of grace to ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with the unconditional love of God. May the love of God fill our hearts right now.
Sermon Series: I Believe Therefore I Speak