Living in the Spirit
October 12, 2018
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 4:12-16
Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need –Hebrews 4:14-16
The proof is in the life lived; love is stronger than evil. Jesus became human and dwelt among us full of truth and grace*. Knowing what it is like being human gave Jesus special insight regarding how humans can grow in truth and grace. Perhaps God felt the need to intersect more closely with his human creations because of our long history of failures and successes in being the people God gave us the capacity to be but which we just could not consistently get right. Thus, God came to us in the person of Jesus who showed us the way, the truth, and the life and then went one step further offering grace when needed to fill the gaps as we strive toward perfection while occasionally missing the mark.
Paul used athletes as examples. Good athletes work hard every day to take care of their bodies honing them to maximize productivity. They learn their plays and understand the importance of teamwork. Fans often forget the mental aspects of sports. Coaches do not forget. Often in after-game interviews, we hear a coach say, “She is smart in every play she makes.” All that is also a good formula for preparation in service to creating a kingdom ruled by love: commit to the cause, study to improve, practice, increase knowledge, and work well with others.
Paul George of the Oklahoma City Thunder does all those things. I watched him play in the first half of a preseason game recently. He missed the first four or five shots he took. He kept playing right, working well with his other teammates and made 26 points in that half. That is an example of what we are called to do in our service to God when Hebrews says we are to approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Prayer: Lord, grant us the fortitude to never give up as you guide us down right paths of service. Amen.
*See John 1:14 also Philippians 2:5–8