“It is frustrating to every sufferer to share their travail with people who don’t have a clue and can’t relate because they have no first-hand knowledge of what you’re talking about. Jesus is not just a student of our suffering; he became a first-hand participant in it.”- Paul David Tripp
“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 our time of need.”- Hebrews 4:15-16 (ESV)
As Paul David Tripp continues Chapter 7 of Suffering, he relates the biblical message of God’s grace. He stresses that God’s grace is about more than your past forgiveness and future hope. In addition, God’s grace is about everything you’re facing right now.
Consequently, based on Hebrews 4:14-16, Pastor Tripp details five powerful, antidenial implications of the wonderful string of encouragements this passage provides. Today Pastor Tripp covers the first point.
1. In your suffering, you have an Advocate. Because you have an Advocate, you never need to load your burdens on your own shoulders. Thus, you neve need to somehow, someway, push your way through. For in the face of your weakness, worry, doubt, and fear, Jesus pleads to the Father in your defense. Even when your heart leans more toward anger than worship.
Furthermore, the author observes, it’s silly to deny what your Savior already knows. That minimizes the power of what Jesus already experienced. As a result, you find true peace and comfort through your cries for help and confessions of struggle. Pastor Tripp concludes:
“Not only will he (Jesus) not turn his back on you when your suffering becomes a struggle of faith; in tender love he’ll take your case to the Father. In light of the advocacy of the Savior, denial makes no sense at all.”
Today’s question: What does it mean to you that Jesus is a first-hand participant in your suffering? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Morphing into a crisis of personal faith”
