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Day 8 we talked about our thought lives and the power that those thoughts can have over us. This devotional from the NIV study Bible, passed on to me by my dear friend, unpacks the reality of temptation a bit more. I think that it fits right in what what we are studying so here it is. Don't forget homework and challenges also below!
Do you find it difficult to approach God when you encounter a tempting situation? How quickly do you come to him when your attitude needs adjustment or when you are about to engage in a habit you know is unhealthy? What about those times you face difficult circumstances - a marital rift, a bad diagnosis, physical or emotional struggles? To whom do you turn? Do you turn to God or to human comforters?
Often our greatest comforters are those who have struggled with what we are facing. Why? Because they've been there. They've felt the pain, cried the buckets of tears, felt the anxiety and stayed up nights. They can sympathize in ways even our best friends cannot. But even their help is sometimes not enough. We need help from the throne of grace, the source of all comfort.
Throughout Jewish history, the high priest held the supreme position in the priestly hierarchy. The people looked to him to make the sin offering on the Day of Atonement. Only he could enter the most sacred place in the temple: the Most Holy Place, where the mercy seat rested. Jesus, as our high priest, offered the ultimate sacrifice of his own body so that no other sin offering will ever be required. When he hung on the cross, the curtain preventing access to the Most Holy Place ripped in two (see Matthew 27:51). Now everyone has access to the mercy seat. Our great high priest has opened the way for everyone to confidently enter the throne room of God.
No wonder Jesus extends amazing sympathy. He opened the way to forgiveness of sin and access to the Father. And beyond sympathy, Jesus offers empathy because he has suffered in ways no mere human has. Yes, Jesus encountered fear, exhaustion, weakness, abandonment and grief. He was misunderstood, mistreated, insulted, questioned, doubted, betrayed and so much more. He was "tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). Moreover, he suffered all the horror and terrors of punishment for our sin.
Jesus knows. He feels what you feel; he sees deep into your soul. You can approach his throne with confidence, sit as his feet and weep with him. He's waiting for you.
Homework
Read Hebrews 4:1-16 aloud. Take your time and let the words really speak to you.
1. When you encounter trials or temptations, to whom do you turn?
2. Do you feel confident that you will find an empathetic ear with Jesus?
3. Describe a time when you know, without a doubt, that Jesus answered your prayer for help in a time of need?
4. Include in your journal any specific verses or phrases that stood out to you.
Reflection - You have now been fasting your chosen food or activity for 8 days. How has it been for you? What have you learned about yourself. If you are saving money by not eating something - where could you put that money to good use?
Challenge
Continue to spend 15 minutes a day this week moving your body in either an organized workout or just moving your body for that amount of time. Don't be afraid to work up a sweat. The idea is to spend more calories than you took in so work hard for that amount of time.
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