Help When You Need It Most
Today’s Verse:
For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. ~Hebrews 2:18
One of the key areas in which we grow in the Christian life is learning to experience the enablement of the Lord in our every need. He is there for us 24/7, in every situation, and especially at the most critical times. Our devotion this morning encourages us about how the Lord helps us when we are tested and tried.
We see His personal experience.
The Lord Jesus Christ was tempted and tested in every area of life that we are tempted in. In Matthew 4, we read that Jesus was tempted in the areas of appetite, avarice, and ambition. In each situation, He stood His ground, resisted Satan, and won. When He was in the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed that God the Father would take away the cup of suffering, but He also accepted that the cup was God’s will for Him. He was tempted in all areas, yet without sin!
We see His powerful example.
His example shows us how to make it through the hour of temptation. His example shows us how to respond and not to react. His powerful example teaches us how to watch and pray, lest we enter into temptation. His example teaches us how to respond to difficult people. We are told to "consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."
We see His passionate extension.
Three words describe the great encouragement that we have: He is able! He comes alongside of and stands with us through the trial. He gives us Scripture when the temptation comes. He bolsters our faith when the fiery darts are hurled at us. He gives us grace so that when we are weak, He makes us strong. He is our refuge and strength: a very present help in time of trouble. He is our strong tower that we can run to and find safety in. He is there for us when everyone else walks out. He is there for us when the bottom drops out. He is there for us when our back is against the wall and we feel like we have nowhere to go. He is there when the flames surround us and seek to burn us. He is there for us when the waters rise. He is able and more than able!
We see His pleasing expiation.
We must not forget that Jesus' ultimate goal was to die for our sins. Expiation speaks of the sacrifice of His life for our sins. He tasted death for every sinner. He suffered unmercifully at the hands of cruel sinners. He was scorned and mocked. He was crucified with nails driven through His hands and feet onto a rugged cross. He was beaten with a Roman cat o’ nine tails. He was the only sacrifice that could satisfy the just demands of a righteous and holy God for the sins of the human race. He was the perfect Substitute for our sins. God accepted Him in our place. He is God’s gift to every sinner. He is the Author of our faith and the Captain of our salvation. In Hebrews 7:25, we are told, “he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him.”
Jesus is there for us when all other help fails. He gives us strength when we are weak. He is able to succor them who are tempted. The devil might whisper in your ear to quit and give up, but lift up your eyes and look unto Jesus: He is your help when you need it most.
Have a Christ-enabled God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Genesis 16-18