READ: Hebrews 2 (Focus vs. 7-15)
MEMORY VERSE
“[Jesus] shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death.” Hebrews 2:14
BACKGROUND
In his Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows, John Koenig offers a collection of new words, each invented to give a name to complicated feelings we previously lacked a word for.
His book includes words like dés vu, “the awareness that this moment will become a memory,” and onism, “the frustration of being stuck in just one body, that inhabits only one place at one time.”
Koenig says his mission is to shed light on all of the unique and strange experiences of being human, so that people can feel less alone in those experiences.
While we might not always be able to find a word for what we’re going through, believers in Jesus can take great comfort in knowing that God values and understands what it’s like to be human.
He values people so much that He chose to entrust humanity with caring for creation (Hebrews 2:7-8). And because of Jesus, God understands completely what it’s like to live as a human.
Christ is God made fully human, which means other believers are called Jesus’ “brothers and sisters” (v. 12).
Christ not only understands all our experiences and temptations (4:15) but He has also broken “the power of death” over our lives (2:14). Because of Him, our experiences need not cause us to feel afraid or alone. Instead, we can celebrate the gift of being human.
Monica LaRose
INSIGHT
Hebrews 2:6-8 references Psalm 8:4-6. In this psalm, David is in awe of God for creating and caring for creation, particularly people: “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” (v. 4). It likewise amazes the psalmist that God entrusted the creation into our care (vv. 5-8).
The author of Hebrews references Psalm 8 to point to Jesus, who, by becoming a man, lowered Himself so that He could die for our sins (Hebrews 2:7, 9). He loves us that much—and understands all we’re going through!
APPLICATION
What experiences do you sometimes struggle to find words for? How does it encourage you to know God understands and values your experience?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS
Christ not only understands all our experiences and temptations (4:15) but He has also broken “the power of death” over our lives…”
PR’s TAKE
“God knows exactly what you need, who you need, how much you need, when you need it (and where you need it). Trust in His PLAN with unwavering faith.” Anonymous – Adapted
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank You that You value being human and empathize with all that I experience.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“GOD UNDERSTANDS” Marty Robbins
God understands He knows all about us
He knows of our hopes He knows of our plans
He’s willing to help if we will but follow
He knows all about us God understands
I walk with the Lord in sunshine and darkness
I cannot forsake His word and command
Temptation is great His love is still greater
He knows all about us God understands
I know of His love I know all its meaning
I know of the power He’s given to man
Without faith in God my life would be worthless
He knows all about us God understands
When trouble appears and life has no meaning
Be washed and be cleansed in the blood of the Lamb
He’s trusted and tried so cast Him your worries
He knows all about us God understands
