Reliable

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:1-2 NET

When we run to Christ for mercy, love and help in our anguish, confusion and sinfulness, we are going with the flow of His own deepest wishes, not against them. 

Maybe we think that if we approach Jesus for help in our need and mercy amid our sins, we somehow detract from Him, lessen Him, impoverish Him. 

How bewildering to learn that Christ does not get flustered and frustrated when we come to Him for fresh forgiveness, for renewed pardon, with distress and need and emptiness. We need salvation, Jesus is the rescue of humanity.  

Hebrews 4:15-16 NET For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help.

As Holy Spirit resides within us, He tells us that Jesus Christ is with us, on our side, present and helping, when life is going well and when its in turmoil. It is in “our weaknesses” that Jesus comes alongside us, not with cool and detached pity but with depth of felt solidarity.  And it is even deeper than that. In our pain, Jesus is pained; in our suffering, He feels the suffering as His own, His heart is feelingly drawn into our distress. 

Please grasp onto this truth my friend, Jesus Christ’s love for us cannot be held back when He sees His people in pain.  Therefore we must not hold back in our pursuit of Him. Follow Him. Cherish Him. Trust Him. Seek Him. Ask Him. Love Him.  

The word of God takes us by the hand and leads us deep into the heart of Christ, showing us the unrestrained compassion and empathy of Jesus regarding His people. Jesus is in such close solidarity with us is that the difficult path we are on is not unique to me or you. He has journeyed on it Himself. It is not only that Jesus can relieve us from our troubles, like a doctor prescribing medicine; it is also that, before any relief comes, He is with us in our troubles. 

That sorrow that feels so isolating, so unique, was endured by Jesus in the past and is now shouldered by Him in the present. 

Jesus never gave up, He never turned away from God, He endured all testings without ever giving in. He therefore knows the strength of temptation and the burden of tribulation far better than any of us. 

Throughout the Bible God is teaching His people to move forward, rely on Him, to keep our eyes on Jesus,the horizon.