Feb. 21, 2015: Psalm 97:1-9

We encourage you to read this devotion three times a day.  Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning reflection question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the noon question for reflection.  For the evening, take time to ponder how this has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening question.  We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we invite you to pray what is in your heart.

 

Hebrew 2:14-18

14 Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, ¹⁵and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. ¹⁶For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. ¹⁷Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. ¹⁸Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

Reflection:

I can reflect back through the years and can recall certain times where I was envious of someone else. The green envy bug had bitten me.  I believed that their life was so together. They were funny, pretty, nice, etc.  Everyone liked them.  I wanted to be more like them.  Maybe even them.  The truth is no one has everything together. This scripture shares how Jesus even experienced suffering.  Through these real life experiences, we can learn sympathy, compassion, mercy and many other things.   Is it not amazing to think about how our savior wanted to be like us in order to comfort and lead us better!?  Remember that through these real life experiences, Jesus is there to comfort, lead, and walk with you because Jesus knows hurt and suffering.  So let us avoid desiring to be someone else, because God created us in God’s image.

Reflection Questions:

Morning: How do you feel knowing that Jesus wanted to be like you?

Noon: When have you felt suffering?

Evening:  How have you seen Jesus in your life?