My dearest Advent Family,
After Easter, I started back up the habit of writing Bible verses every morning before I go to work and after I have sent my kids off to school. It’s an easy habit to get into since it takes me a few minutes to write out a few passages. Every day is a different Bible verse to read and write down for the month of April. Writing scripture is an added benefit to intentionally allow, not just my mind, but my heart and spirit to truly hone in on what God’s word says and make it “stick”.
Today’s passage comes from Hebrews 4:15-16 (ESV): “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.” One of the challenging parts of being an After School Director for elementary and middle school students is teaching conflict resolution between students. Sometimes I lovingly refer to this part of my job as “character building.” When students have conflict with one another whether intentional or not, a conversation is initiated right away. I try to allow every student to express and tell their side of the story. The next step is figuring out with the students how to continue existing with one another, hopefully with some harmony and ensuring it doesn’t happen again. This is the part of the conversation that I try to instill the practice of sympathizing with one another.
It’s actually a hard thing to do! Especially when we believe in our hearts and spirit that we have been wronged, and I one hundred percent believe I am totally right! Well I guess that’s where God meets me a lot of the time…was I completely right!? And I am faced with the harsh reality that I am severely lacking humility. The lack of humility then leads to being unable to sympathize with the other person. And then my heart and spirit is unable to move forward towards forgiveness. To acknowledge someone else’s “weaknesses” and tell them sincerely, “yes, I have felt and been there too…” takes on a whole new meaning to the term “I know exactly how you feel”. Jesus does that for us everyday, friends. And more actually because He paid the ultimate price to give us His life to death on the cross not just to say to us, “Yes, I know exactly how you feel and what you’re going through.” Jesus died on the cross to ultimately save us and the entire world so that we can “draw near to the throne of grace” as verse 16 tells. Approaching this throne of grace, we are met with the promise of
mercy for when we need it the most. And if you have experienced this amazing thing called grace, will you share it with someone today who needs to draw near to the throne and to the foot of the cross!?
Jesus,
My great high priest! All glory and honor is yours forevermore! I praise you, O Lord, because you see all my weaknesses and yet you still call me your child! Forgive me, Lord, when I have gone past the temptation. Help me in my times of weakness and draw me near to your throne of grace! As I go about my day, may I slow down to see others as you see them and be sympathetic for your name’s sake. It’s in your Mighty Name,
I pray. Amen.
In His Hands,
Angel Kruse
Afterschool, Holidays, Summer Camps (AHS) Director