The Never-Ending Cycle of Love

“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” – Heb. 4:14-16

When we think of God raising Jesus up, exalting him, as we read yesterday in Phil. 2:9-11, it could be a little intimidating at first.  Rulers – kings, high priests – are awesome, literally; we stand in awe of them.  But they are often not the first place we go for help; despite their power, they are just not very approachable for average people like us.

This ruler though, this high priest, is different.  Just as God delighted in lifting him up, Jesus’ greatest delight is to help us.  He hasn’t forgotten his humanity, he hasn’t forgotten what it’s like to struggle.  And his love and his mercy towards us are overflowing.  The doors to his throne room are thrown wide open, and he beckons us closer constantly. 

God delights in lifting Jesus up; Jesus delights in lifting us up; we can take delight in lifting up others.  This is the never-ending cycle of love forming Christ-like community.  Would you take a few minutes with God and just ask him how you might pray this morning?  Perhaps he’ll give you a word or an image or someone to pray for; perhaps it will just be a moment to sit quietly in his love.