Monday, February 27
| Hebrews 2:10-18 |
| 10It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, 12saying, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.” 13And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Here am I and the children whom God has given me.” 14Since, 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. |
| As Paul in today’s text writes, “Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.” Hebrews 2:18 Throughout our life’s journey we encounter bumps, detours, and road blocks. It is in those most difficult days we often feel alone, abandoned and lost. The sudden death of my parents was a period filled with pain and suffering. I felt abandoned. As I mourned, I discovered friends who walked with me during this time of grief. These loyal friends demonstrated empathy. Brene Brown says, “The power of empathy is: I’m in it with you. I’m not here to fix you. I’m not here to feel it for you. I’m here to feel it with you and let you know you’re not alone” Their empathetic presence was just what I needed to help me navigate this huge bump on my journey. My “brothers and sisters” who walked with me were Christ’s presence in my world. They helped me see Christ in the suffering, reminded me of God’s presence even when I couldn’t feel or see it. They reminded me to trust that God had not abandoned me even on the deepest, darkest days. I am grateful that I could lean on Christ as my trusty companion, and that I could draw upon healthy practices of walking in nature, massage therapy, spiritual direction, prayer… to support me through the tough time. Trust takes time, consistency, honesty, and faith. Trust grows as we trust God and recognize God in one another. “Once we deeply trust that we ourselves are precious in God’s eyes, we are able to recognize the preciousness of others and their unique places in God’s heart.”– Henri Nouwen As we journey through Lent, I invite you to notice where you have seen, felt or heard God in your day. Prayer: Let us pray: God, you know our suffering. Come near. Remind us to slow down, to breathe in your goodness. Empower us to share your love and empathy with those in need. Grow our trust in your presence, and bring us your peace. Amen.—Tammy Devine |