Hebrews 4:15

Hebrews 4:15

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.

 

Walk a mile in my shoes for just one day, and then you will understand where I am coming from and what I am dealing with. When Jesus took the form of man on this earth, he walked the path that we are walking…he walked a mile, and then some, in the same shoes that we walk in. He was tempted by the devil, he was enticed by sin, and he was submitted to countless opportunities to give into sin. Yet he didn’t sin…he didn’t give in…he wasn’t overcome by the trickery and schemes of the devil. He stood firm against temptation and he kicked sin and death right in the mouth. But there were times when he struggled…there were times when he felt pain, sorrow, and difficulty, similar to what we experience every day. We see this in Hebrews 5:7, “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” Yes, there were times when the stress of this life drove Christ to tears. There were times when Jesus was so overwhelmed with this life that he actually cried out to the Father. Jesus is not some King that sits high upon his thrown, refusing to mingle in the affairs of the “common folk” below. No, he came down to our level and walked the same streets we walk, ate at the same tables we eat at, and interacted with the same type of people we deal with each day. And through it all, he remained perfect. Now we can’t and aren’t expected to be perfect. If we could be perfect, there would be no need for Christ’s sacrifice. But as we pursue righteousness, as we repent of our sins and choose to leave our old sinful ways in the past, we have that perfect man walking along with us through each day. When Christ died on the cross, the separation that existed between God and man was no more…the curtain was torn…the relationship was restored. In that restored relationship, we have a loving God that says “I can help you beat this sin out of your life…I can help you overcome its suffocating grip…I can give you hope, confidence, and courage no matter what the circumstances.” When we struggle in this life, may we remember to turn to the Lord, finding peace in knowing that he walked the same walk we walk, and he rose victorious. And through faith in him, we too can rise victorious! To God alone be the glory!