Tuesday 13 October 2020

Psalm 143:1-8

Background

Yesterday we were reminded that Jesus was “tempted as we are”. Being tempted isn’t a failure or a weakness, it’s part of being human. Today we are reminded that “loud cries and tears” sometimes formed the prayers of Jesus, as the high priest. Gentleness and understanding in these intercessions came out of his own experience and difficulties. If someone complains that their legs are aching, the chest is heaving for breath, and their brow is wet with sweat, you might wonder if they are simply poorly. They might of course just be running up a hill. It’s normal for healthy people feel pain, emotional and physical; it is part of being human. There are lessons we can learn from it; you can’t keep on running if you are that out of breath without needing to sit down. Courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s what you do when you are afraid. Faith isn’t the sign of a confident individual, it’s what we do with despair and doubt. The 'days of his flesh' are the basis of his learning, his capacity to be gentle and to forgive. In Jesus’ humanity, in pain and struggling, we catch a glimpse of his divinity. In his divinity the glorious high priest, we catch a glimpse of our humanity.

To Ponder:

• In 2 Corinthians 12:10 Paul wrote, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” When have you seen this to be true in your own journey?
• What are your greatest weaknesses – how might God use these?