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May
8
2009
Hebrews 4:15
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.
People want to feel. It shows in our art and entertainment. We gravitate toward the TV shows, movies, music, poems, novels, and paintings that make us feel something. One reason men love the playoffs (of any sport) is the drama, excitement, and adrenaline. The last second comeback of our team in the championship gets us as ready for next season as does a last second crushing defeat. We will like one outcome more than the other, but the fact that we feel is most important. The heights of delight are much sweeter following the depths of despair.
When our anguish is no longer created by a song or depressing ending of a novel but rather by the circumstances of our life, attitudes change. In those times of torment, one of our greatest fears is being alone. It is bad enough to be sad; it is worse to be sad alone.
Hebrews 4:15 gives us great encouragement when we consider that Christ, as our High Priest or representative to God the Father, can suffer along with us. The phrase be touched is synonymous in English with sympathize which literally means share in suffering. While there are elements of sin and temptation in this verse, it is important to note that Christ’s sympathy is not based on our temptation or our sin, but rather He sympathizes with the “feeling of our infirmities.” As one traces that word asthéneia through the New Testament, the ideas of “incapacity, illness, and timidity” continually spring to the surface. Christ cares that we are weak, and because He cares, we then can:
come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.