Hebrews 2:11-1811 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying,
“I will tell of your name to my brothers;
in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”13 And again,
“I will put my trust in him.”
And again,
“Behold, I and the children God has given me.”
14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Our Sunday School Class has been reading and discussing the book "The Shack" (if you haven't read it I highly recommend it) and I have been so blessed by our conversations on the nature of God and His (or Her!) relationship to us. The fact that God came TO us by becoming ONE of us is almost too big of a concept for me to get my mind around. Think what that means. The God of the universe was born a helpless baby, lived in poverty, grew up facing the same kind of difficulties all kids face, put up with siblings, learned a trade, had friends and family, just lived the life we live. He must have experienced hunger and tiredness and laughter and (oh I can imagine) frustration of living among His fellow human beings..."brothers" the God of everything called US. And yet, He tells us that we give Him joy. His love for us continues to shine through the thousands of years since he was physically among us. Wow. Sometimes when I sit very still, I catch a glimpse of the eternity I will have (not earned, but given to me nonetheless) with the Papa who is "especially fond" of me. Those brief glimpses are what keeps me striving to live this life worthy of the brotherhood of Jesus Christ.
Rebecca Lucas
