Seeking God’s Heart- by Bryan Shelley

Audio Version: seeking-gods-heart-hebrews-2_18

Today’s Verse: Hebrews 2:18 For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted. NASB

Jesus was tempted to sin just like you and I are tempted. He had the same desires and nature as we do as a man. It was a long way down from heaven to earth for Him. He sacrificed much just to walk among us. Temptation itself is not a sin. Failing to choose God’s way, the way of righteousness and light, is the way of sin. It is when we are faced with a choice and we do not choose to act as if God was right there with us and choose His way, that we sin. As in most courts, ignorance of sin is not going to be an adequate defense when one stands before God guilty of sin. The problem is that one sin receives the death penalty. It is by our sin, even just one, that we get disconnected from God. This verse has a two-fold promise inherent in it. The good news for sinners is that God has provided a way to have the sin debt paid. Jesus paid that debt for all who would obey God’s invitation to reconciliation by way of Christ’s sacrifice in confession and baptism. The other encouragement contained in this verse is Jesus’ promise that “He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.” If you are looking for help to resist the temptations you are faced with every day, Jesus says He will help. Have you noticed that resistance to sin and salvation from it both require our focus away from sin and onto Him who is able. Able to save, able to help us resist sin. If you have ever failed in resisting sin, and we all have, here’s a wonderful promise to cling to. Talk about practical! Keep your focus on Jesus and His ways and He’ll help you make godly choices instead of worldly ones. He understands. He faced worse temptation than we will ever have to, yet He prayed to God for strength and God’s will to be done in and through Him. We fail when we attempt to do things in our own strength. We need Him every hour. He is able, He is waiting. Will you seek His presence and aid today?