The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "A SYMPATHETIC SAVIOR" for Thursday, 15 September 2016 with Scripture: Hebrews 2:10-18

The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "A SYMPATHETIC SAVIOR" for Thursday, 15 September 2016 with Scripture: Hebrews 2: 10 For in bringing many sons to glory, it was only fitting that God, the Creator and Preserver of everything, should bring the Initiator of their deliverance to the goal through sufferings. 11 For both Yeshua, who sets people apart for God, and the ones being set apart have a common origin — this is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers 12 when he says,
“I will proclaim your name to my brothers;
in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”[Hebrews 2:12 Psalm 22:23(22)]
13 Also,
“I will put my trust in him, . . .”[Hebrews 2:13 Isaiah 8:17]
and then it goes on,
“Here I am, along with the children God has given me.”[Hebrews 2:13 Isaiah 8:18 (Septuagint)]
14 Therefore, since the children share a common physical nature as human beings, he became like them and shared that same human nature; so that by his death he might render ineffective the one who had power over death (that is, the Adversary) 15 and thus set free those who had been in bondage all their lives because of their fear of death.
16 Indeed, it is obvious that he does not take hold of angels to help them; on the contrary,
“He takes hold of the seed of Avraham.”[Hebrews 2:16 Isaiah 41:8–9]
17 This is why he had to become like his brothers in every respect — so that he might become a merciful and faithful cohen gadol in the service of God, making a kapparah for the sins of the people. 18 For since he himself suffered death when he was put to the test, he is able to help those who are being tested now.
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Because [Jesus] himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.[Hebrews 2:18 (NIV)]
Someone in my seventh-grade Sunday school class remarked that Jesus experienced all the same temptations and trials that we face today. Then one girl’s head shot up; and with a questioning look in her eyes, she said, “You mean Jesus went through puberty?” Although the Bible clearly tells us that Jesus was tempted as we are, we still tend to overlook his humanity. Somehow we think he was above all the nitty gritty of daily life.
Jesus came as a helpless baby, needing someone to supply his every need. He grew up in the home of a carpenter, so he probably endured his fair share of childhood cuts, bumps, and bruises along with daily dust and dirt. And he also braved puberty with all its ups and downs. Although Jesus experienced life in a different time and culture, the risen Christ understands and identifies with our daily dilemmas.
Whenever we feel alone and wonder who will understand or how we can continue, we can remember that Jesus has already been there. He hears our cries and stands ready to walk with us through whatever difficulties we face. He holds us up in our lowest moments. He offers hope when life seems hopeless and celebrates with us when our hardships cease.
Read more from the author, here.
"A Sympathetic Savior"
Other than my marriage, few things in my life have lasted longer than my commitment to leading a youth Sunday morning Bible study.
When first asked to teach, I was a college student, newlywed, youth mission leader, and part-time worker. To say I had reservations does not come close to my initial reaction.
However, the person who approached me wisely said, “Just think and pray about it a few days. Then let me know.” I did as he requested and surprised myself by agreeing to the challenge. I’ve never regretted that decision. I’ve questioned my sanity a few times. I’ve also had to regularly move outside of the boundaries of my comfort zone to remain current with youth interests and habits.
Nevertheless, I love my girls. Although I have taught a few coed and senior high classes, junior high girls have been my norm.
Why do I do it? After all, finding a substitute can be a pain. Many people roll their eyes as soon as they hear the age. I can see their minds flipping through the characteristics of middle school youth: impulsive, unpredictable, emotional, raging hormones, and all the drama that accompanies that transitional time.
Although accurate, why not reframe those characteristics? Middle school youth are adventurous, interested and interesting, passionate, growing, and dealing with complicated issues many of us can’t imagine or prefer not to remember.
They want to learn. They want to serve. They want meaningful relationships. Sadly, our world often shortchanges them in all those areas.
Definitely, a week without the individual contacts, intense study, and activity planning that accompany my teaching would provide extra personal time. Yet, God called me to this opportunity. Until that call changes, Sunday mornings will find me in my usual spot. I love sharing with my girls about our sympathetic Savior who understands and guides us through every daily dilemma.
For a bit of my Words, Wit and Wisdom: Life [Lessons from English Expressions, visitwww.dianaderringer.com., Diana Derringer]
The Author: Diana C. Derringer (Kentucky, USA)
Thought for the Day: Jesus knows. Jesus cares.
Prayer: O God, thank you for your never-failing presence in every circumstance. Amen.
Prayer focus: TEENAGERS
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