Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Listen to the Word

For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human 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 the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.  (Hebrews 2:17-18)

Do you know what it is like to be a fish? I’m sure you know some things about fish. You may even be an ichthyologist. But there’s no way you could really comprehend the experience of being a fish.

Do you ever wonder if God really understands what it is like to be us? Of course he knows all about us – has our hairs numbered and all that. But how could a God who is infinitely powerful and holy and perfect have any clue what it is like to attend the funeral of a loved one or sit in an ICU waiting room? How could he comprehend the betrayal, hurt, and confusion that follow a divorce? How could he fathom the difficulty of staring down a difficult temptation? Does he understand? How could an invincible God relate to pain?

Once a year, we pull out our nativity scenes and remind ourselves that he does understand – because he was made like us, fully human in every way.

Live the Word

What is the most difficult challenge you face today? Tell God thanks for entering our world so that he can understand what it is like, and ask for his help.