How He Loves Us

Hebrews 4:14-5:10

“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.  Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” 4:15-16

Several years ago a wonderful man named Jay Smith spent time leading a Bible class at the church we attended in Tennessee to teach us about Jewish culture and traditions.  This class changed the way I see the Bible. I learned so much about what so many things in the Bible mean. I have a hard time putting it into words because there is so much to say.  I still constantly reference what I learned in that class to help me understand the Bible better. This passage is one of those times.

Jesus is often referred to as the Great High Priest.  I’ve always thought that meant a great leader and teacher.  But in these verses it feels like the author of Hebrews knew people in the future would need to know what this meant during the time of Jesus.  In summary, a high priest never appointed himself to the position but was called by God. He was chosen to be a mediator between God and the people.  He would offer sacrifices for the people but also for himself, as he was not seen as someone who was perfect but as someone who had just as many weaknesses as the next guy.  

So how does Jesus fit the bill?  It explains that Jesus was in constant prayer and petition while He was here on earth.  He was tempted in every possible way but did not sin. And because of His reverent submission to God, his prayers were heard and He was made perfect in His death and became our Savior.  This is why He was designated as great High Priest. He is our sacrifice. The perfect One laid down His life for us.

Jesus knows what it is like to have the world press down around Him.  Jesus understands that sometimes our flesh wants more than what we can physically find here on earth.  He knows deep, deep grief and great, great joy. He knows what I am going through. He knows how hard life is and, yet, He sacrificed Himself so that I could have hope in a dark and dreary world.  I can look up at the sky on a beautiful, cloudless, sunny day and feel close to Him. I can feel Him comfort me and reassure me that I will see Keren again. I can believe that one day, there will be no more pain, no more despair, no more sorrow – only unimaginable joy and peace in the arms of my Savior.  

Several years ago, when I first heard the song below, I was obsessed with the show Dancing with the Stars.  I have since given this show up as I don’t feel like it honors what God created dancing to be. But while watching the show I learned about many different styles of dancing, one of my favorites being the Viennese Waltz.  It is all about twirling and lifting and stretching, almost in a floating/flying way. This song sounds to me like a beautiful song to dance the Viennese Waltz to. I started daydreaming about what it would be like to dance to this song.  Then, God placed the most amazing dream in my heart. I want to dance with Jesus to this song. It is one of the first things I want to do when I get to heaven. I don’t know if that’s really how things work, but isn’t it absolutely wonderful to think about?!  Now, I can picture sweeping Keren into the dance and all three of us laughing and twirling and loving each other. It will be a glorious day when the time comes and it is one of those things that keeps me hoping and believing and surviving and enduring. Oh, how He loves us!