It’s one of the most comforting passages in the entire Bible . . . but one I all too often forget.
So when I unexpectedly ran across it last week and experienced the divine embrace and encouragement of its words, I knew. I HAD to share it with you. Because maybe you’ve forgotten, too.
Hebrews 2:14-18 (NLT)
14 Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death.
15 Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.
16 We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham.
17 Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people.
18 Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.
All too often I forget about the flesh and blood connection Jesus shares with us. Not the flesh and blood, dying on the cross for my sin part (vs. 14-15). I never forget that.
But the flesh and blood “made in every respect like us…so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest” part (v. 17). The part that made Jesus “able to help us when we are being tested” (v. 18) part. Sometimes, I forget that. Do you?
Personally, I think Satan zealously encourages this forgetfulness by pouncing upon our every flaw with the full force of his deception and by relentlessly reminding us of every failure of our flesh and blood life. And the fallout is that we become so focused upon our failings that we forget the “made in every respect like us . . . so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest . . . able to help us when we are being tested” (v. 17) part about Jesus. Am I right?
It’s Monday, precious sister, the beginning of a new week in which you will face many trials and tests in your flesh and blood life — and an enemy who wants to keep you in a state of spiritual amnesia. But do not forget: Jesus wants to help you.
Because He lived a flesh and blood life, Jesus not only understands every temptation, every fear, every sorrow, every weakness, every circumstance – everything – you will think, feel, and experience this week, He can also help you. So let Him – don’t forget Him – this week.
Your “help me, Jesus” praying sister who loves you,
