Comfort in the One Who Understands
What an interesting time we are living in! It’s funny to think that in just a few weeks, people went from joking about the coronavirus like it was no big deal to living in quarantine. Through all this social distancing, I have noticed a theme of fear and loneliness circulating.
I have been studying Hebrews 2 this past week, and the last half of the chapter speaks so perfectly to the fear and loneliness people are struggling with. People are struggling to find comfort, understanding, peace, and friendship during this time, and Hebrews 2:10-18 shows us where those are really found. I would like to share three truths I have learned from this passage.
1: We are Christ’s brethren.
For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings. For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, “I will proclaim Your name to My brethren, In the midst of the congregation I will sing Your praise.” And again, “I will put My trust in Him.” And again, “Behold, I and the children whom God has given Me.” Hebrews 2:10-13
Jesus calls us brethren. We are family to Christ! God has adopted us into His family (see Eph. 1:5), and we get to share in Christ’s inheritance (see Rom. 8:17). In a time when people are struggling with loneliness, as believers we have a place to belong. No matter what is going on around us, we will always be part of God’s loving family, and that is the most secure place to be.
2: Jesus came to set us free from fear.
Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. Hebrews 2:14-15
These verses tell us that Jesus came to set free those who “through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.” This reality has been made clear through the current pandemic. We see people’s slavery to fear as they hoard resources and fight over toilet paper. Everywhere on social media you see people freaking out about what’s going on in our world.
I’m not saying we should not take this virus seriously, but I am saying that people’s reactions to it are proving that we are enslaved to fear, especially a fear of death, and we need to be set free. This world may enjoy celebrating death and darkness when the world is going great, but when hard times come, we see underneath the mask of celebration lies fear.
Without Christ, there is no hope for eternity, and this life is all there is. To live with that burden would make me fearful, too. But when Christ is our hope, we are set free from fear and can live in peace because we know who our Savior is and the hope of eternity that He has promised us.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5
3: Jesus understands and gives help for our weakness.
For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham. Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted. Hebrews 2:16-18
Jesus became like us, partook of our humanity, in order to save us from slavery to fear, from the devil, and from death. In becoming like us, Jesus became our perfect High Priest. He is merciful to us and understands our weaknesses, hardships, and pain.
Therefore, since 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 cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16
Jesus understands our weaknesses because He has walked in our shoes. He has withstood temptation and knows how to help us in our times of weakness. Because He has walked in our shoes, we can come to Him confidently for help because He understands and gives grace to us when we need it.
So, in this time when it’s tempting to join the bandwagon of fear and anxiety, let’s run to Jesus of grace to help. When we are tempted to believe that we are alone, let’s run to Jesus and recognize His presence in our lives. When we are tempted to live in defeat and wish away this time, let’s run to Jesus and ask Him how we can glorify Him during this time.
Lastly, I just want to remind you that whatever is going on in your heart and life right now, Jesus understands. I know sometimes I want someone to understand, who will perfectly listen to me, support me, and provide answers for my struggles, but it is all too easy to seek that from friends or family. While I have wonderful friends and family, they can never perfectly understand me and meet my needs. But when I turn to Jesus and ask Him to listen, support, and provide answers, He always does abundantly more than I could ask.
So, if you’re looking for a friend, a listening ear, a comforter, or someone with answers, I challenge you to turn to Jesus. There is no one better to turn to than our Savior who is full of grace and mercy for our time of need!
With love,
Kelsey
