In All Points

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 

Hebrew 4:15

There are a lot of passages in the Bible that are uplifting and comforting. I think some people are able to take this one in that way, but I never have been able to. It’s a challenge for me every time I think about it. It usually comes to mind when I’m struggling with depression and fear and worry. I think I’m alone, no one knows, no one cares, no one else GETS IT! And I’m tempted to think God doesn’t know either. 

Because, Jesus was a man. Jesus was the oldest sibling. Jesus didn’t get married, didn’t have kids, didn’t home school, didn’t, didn’t, didn’t.... 

He was in ALL POINTS tempted like me. He didn’t have to live my life to feel my pains. That’s a lie we hear continuously these days, I think. “You haven’t been there, so you can’t know.” That’s what we’re told all the time. But He can. He heard that lie, too. He felt that pain, too. He mourned for His friends, too; prayed for His family, too. He loved, too. He feared, too. He asked, too. He wept, too.

But... He loved More. His pain was greater. His loneliness was more complete; His Father turned His face away. My Father never turns His face. I am the one who turns. I’m tempted and fall and get lost, but His face is always there. It is always shining. He is always singing over me. His Spirit is always with me. 

He knows. He knows me. He knows you. He knows our fears. He knows our trials. He knows our infirmities. He was tempted, yet without sin. 

Praise God the only thing He doesn’t know is failure.