Welcome!
Today: Don’t give-up yet!
Passage: Heb 2, Prov 21
17 For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for[f] the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (Heb 2, NIV 84)
Jesus is able to understand us and help us in any situation because He himself has been where we are
But it is not necessary for a person to go through all such situations, in order to help another; we pray for people who go through various situations that we have not been through; Paul himself writes about marriage and family, even as he was never married (he did it through divine revelation, though). Jesus could help us even if He had not gone through all that He went through, as a man!
But, it does make a difference, to have actually gone through something
We know how we can understand people better, once we go the places they live, than by learning about them from where we are; a pilgrimage to such places makes a world of difference in the way we understand them
Jesus went through the toughest of times-even to the point of asking the father to take away that “cup” if possible. He went through severe pain and agony!
Sin was one thing Jesus hated the most, and he was going to be loaded with all the world’s sin and was to become a “curse” himself. He couldn’t just take it!
But then, Jesus didn’t just give up; he found it very difficult, but hung on.
Jesus endured the sufferings and the cross
There are many people out there who cannot handle even a small difficulty
When their job becomes a little difficult, they quit; when marriage goes through some tough times, they quit; when Church seems difficult, they quit
Quitting is easy, but afterwards it can get real bad! It may not work as expected
Jesus not only endured his sufferings; He also “suffered” some people
Peter was failing and failing. Jesus could have easily “given up” on him
But Jesus didn’t! He suffered Peter, and Peter finally became the best!
Is there anybody that you feel like “giving up” on?
It could be a child, a fellow worker, a friend or someone you live with!
Don’t give up on them yet; may be they have the best hidden in them
Our parents/teachers did not just “give up” on us, even as we did bad! Instead, they “suffered” us. Above all, Jesus did not give up on us! Now, it is our turn
God bless you, as you try that out!
BG
Prayer: Asking the Lord Grace, not to give-up on ourselves as well as on others
Proverbs: Proverbs 21 (verses below, from NIV 84)
3 To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.
21 He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity[c] and honor.
23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.
30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD.
31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.