He Understands
ICS Daily Devotions
Hebrews 4:15 (NJKV) For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
We are imperfect, so we will stumble and fall, but we have a High Priest who can empathise and sympathise with our struggles. Moreover, He has won the victory over sin. He knows we struggle with the weakness of the flesh, and He will remind and encourage us to apply faith to His finished work of redemption and to walk in the newness of life in the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, which has set us free from the law of sin and death. The Holy Spirit is our teacher who will bring into our remembrance the Word of God and the redemption realities.
God enjoys our fellowship with Him, and there is nothing we can’t say to Him. He can handle our complaining about our struggles, including dealing with colleagues who play dirty politics or unreasonable bosses.
Jesus, who is sinless, was made to live among sinners. He Himself went through tremendous suffering while on earth, including emotional turmoil, because He was 100% God and 100% man. There are many temptations to sin against God when we are stressed. Therefore, it is important to take time to come to His throne, because He will instruct and remind us to do what is right.
Matthew 26:48-49 (NKJV) Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.” Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.
Jesus was betrayed by Judas for 30 pieces of silver. Therefore, Jesus can empathise with you if you have been betrayed, and help you to forgive and love. As you come to the throne of grace and present all your resentments towards the betrayer, the Holy Spirit will comfort you and restore your heart; He will infuse His grace and strength to walk through the process of forgiving that person, even though it will take time to rebuild trust. Take it before the Lord, acknowledge the hurt, pain, struggle, and decide to release the people by naming them, releasing them by forgiving them, just as God has chosen to be merciful and gracious to us. Thereafter, stop revisiting the wound, and remind ourselves that we have chosen to forgive, so even though we may not forget, we are free.
Luke 11:4 (NKJV) And forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.”
We are not alone in this journey. We should be greatly encouraged that we have a Great High Priest who empathises with us. He is our advocate, our mediator and intercessor.
Sermon Series: The Power of the Blood
