Feeling alone? Defeated? Rug pulled out right from under you? As if whatever you put your hand to, it never seems to go your way... and you're powerless to accomplish that which you desire most in life? Have I got a WORD for you! Literally. asthenieia: want of strength, weakness, illness, suffering calamity But you don't want to be weak or frail... I get it, who does? I feel this way often. But this word is found not just in people who are lacking something, but one time in a person who chose it. Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16 NKJV Weakness... Jesus chose it over strength... for a time, so that He could better understand us, better relate to us and the choices we make, both toward Him and away from Him. This God-Man, who put on flesh, disconnected Himself from the trinity... never before separate from the Father and Spirit... and came to earth to live as a human, die as a criminal... chose to give up a great deal of His heavenly power, so that He could realte to us; so that He could understand us and this weakness from which we suffer. When we feel alone and defeated, as if the rug has been pulled out right from under us, we NEED to KNOW that our God gave up His power so that He could be for us a High Priest like no other, not just offering a sacrifice for our sins... rather actually becoming that sacrifice. Beause He lived out a life that included all the temptations all the frustrations, all the pressures and distractions this world throws at us. All so that He could sympathize with our weakness... asthenieia, our want of strength. We are overcome with this feeling, this "illness," if you will, because as it's definition proves... we lack the necessary resources, we are depleated and insufficient, unable to achieve anything great, destitute of power among men. And this is the great ill for which our Messiah came and suffered... the illness for which He was beaten, gave up His power temporarily so that He could die to it. But then after three days in that dark tomb... He rose again, defeating death conquering all weakness... defeating sin, fear and death. For when we were still without strength, in due time, Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:6 This is my celebration today... that I know my weakness, that I can finally accept it realizing how Jesus sympathizes with it completely. In fact, He subjected Himself to it so He could better know me. That's the loving God which came for me... who came for you as well. Won't you open your heart to Him this holiday season? Weakness and all... He longs to give you strength because He truly understands. Word of God train me today... To embrace my weakness, grateful that You, Lord, know exactly how I feel. To receive Your grace and mercy, boldy coming before Your throne asking for strength in my time of need... knowing that You will empower me.
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January 2019
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