Sunday, November 21, 2010
THE LONGING FOR RELATIONSHIP
SCRIPTURE READING
Hebrews 4:15-16 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
The two most powerful realities that move the human heart are beauty and pain. While we will forever be exhilarated by the beauty of Jesus, some of our greatest intimacy with Him will be as we fellowship with Him amidst our suffering (Phil 3:10), as we endure hardship. There is an intimacy that can only be known and accepted in our suffering and failure. Pain serves as an escort to know and experience Jesus at a greater depth. When our heart is hurting and starving to be comforted, He will be most vivid in our experience, if we allow Him. During our darkest times, when most people draw away from us, He draws closer. He holds our hand, not as one who strives to understand but as one who has truly been there and who walks through each moment with us.
Most understand the idea of God drawing near to the one who is hurting in their time of need but what about the one who has brought the suffering on himself by negligence or sin? The drunk, the abusive father? God still extends an offer of mercy and grace to all, no matter how far off they have wondered. He knows each of our shameful deeds yet He believes in us and treats us with honour that we do not deserve.
PRAYER AND MEDITATION
1. Have you run to God in times of suffering and hardship or have you run away from Him?
2. In listening prayer, ask the Holy Spirit if you have blamed Him for your hardships or embraced Him as a loving Father who wants to walk through it with you?
3. Thank Jesus for never giving up on you, for His faithfulness.
