August Article
“Clinging To Jesus"
Hebrews 4:14-16
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
To whom or what do you cling to? Who or what gives you security?
In the comic strip Peanuts, Linus is always with his blanket. I remember reading a strip where Linus is pictured sitting on the ground holding his blanket and sucking his thumb. He is sound asleep. In the next frame is Snoopy crouching ready to attack. The next few frames show Snoopy running to Linus and grabbing the blanket to steal it. Much to Snoopy’s dismay, Linus holds on. Snoopy runs all over the yard trying to shake Linus loose from the blanket. In the last frame Snoopy is clutching one end of the blanket and Linus is clinging to the other end. The blanket is stretched across the top of Snoopy’s house dangling Snoopy and Linus on each end. No one could take Linus’ blanket away from him.
We want something or someone to cling to for security. Linus clings to his blanket, what do you cling to? Clinging to some one or something can be good or bad. It all depends on who or what we cling to. You know the phrase, "misery loves company." Clinging to miserable people will make you miserable. This is why we have to have choose our friends carefully. We must be careful who we look to for advice.
Clinging is healthy when I cling to people or things that help me grow.
During our life time, we will cling to many people who will shape us into people of character and integrity: parents, grandparents, preachers, friends and so forth. Healthy relationships are those where I am encouraged, challenged, supported, and loved. The problem is this. Even healthy, solid people make mistakes. Even the person you admire the most will let you down some time. From time to time even the wisest person will make wrong decisions. We are all sinful human beings.
So, who can I cling to who will never let me down or who never mislead me? Who can I cling to who will help me to grow into a mature spiritual person? The answer is simply: JESUS!
Here’s 4 reasons, we can cling to Jesus:
1. He is the Son of God
(4:14).
Chapters 1-4 of Hebrews tells us that Jesus is superior to all creation
because he created it. Jesus is also superior to the angels. He is not
just a good man who excelled in his spirituality. Jesus is the Son of
God. When you have a complaint with the service at restaurants, who do
want to talk to? The manager. You want to talk to someone who has the
authority to solve the problem. You want to talk to someone who is in
charge.
In Matthew 28:18 - And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power
is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
We can cling to Jesus because as the Son of God, he has complete authority
to help us with our problems. Jesus has authority over every human, every
angel, and over the devil and his demons. There is no one any higher in
the chain of command.
2. He understands my weaknesses
(4:15).
Even though Jesus is the Son of God, he became a human being so that he
could relate with us.
While Jesus was fully human, he experienced life just we do.
He got hungry, He got tired, He got frustrated with people, He laughed,
He cried, He loved people, He was used by people, He was hurt by people,
He was misunderstood by those closest to him, He was finite and He was
limited to time and space just as are.
Jesus understands your limitations
and weaknesses because he has been there.
But he doesn’t allow us to use our weaknesses as an excuse. We tend
to use our weaknesses to excuse ourselves from doing the right or responsible
thing. However, if we’re not careful, we will begin to use our weakness
as excuse not to do what God is calling us to do. So, instead of clinging
to the One is greater than our weaknesses, we cling to our weaknesses
because we feel safe within them.
3. He was tempted just as
I am tempted (4:15).
Jesus not only understands our weaknesses, he understands temptation.
Jesus was tempted just as we are.
In Matthew chapter four
is the story of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. There are three
temptations that Satan used to entice Jesus:
* To satisfy his hunger by turning stones into bread.
* To test God’s faithfulness by jumping from the highest point of
the Temple .
* To have power and control.
There is a temptation that is included in each of these temptations that is at the heart of every temptation we face. The temptation to prove our identity. Satan said to Jesus, “If you are the Son of God…”
Every time you and I are tempted, our identity is being challenged. When you asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life, you gave all authority to him. You submitted yourself to his control and his authority.
4. He did not sin (4:15).
Even though he was tempted, Jesus did not give in. He remained true to
his identity as the Son of God and did not sin. He knew God better understood
the purpose for the suffering than he did. He knew that God’s plan
was the best plan for everyone involved.
When temptation comes, we have a choice to make. Who will I depend on?
My strength. My wisdom. Will I cling to someone who is fallible and finite?
Or will I cling to the One who is superior to all people? Will I cling
to the One who understands my weaknesses? Will I cling to the One who
has been there, but hasn’t done that?
Verse 16 contains a great promise. Because we cling to Jesus, we can boldly come to him when we need help and we will receive grace, mercy, and the help we need.
To whom or what will you cling to in 2010? Cling to Jesus. Cling to his every word. For you when you cling to Jesus, you will have life that is filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and the one we need a lot, self-control.
Until next month, be Blessed Beloved!
Mike Heltsley
Preaching The Truth Ministries
P.O. Box 4101
Hopkinsville, KY. 42241-4101
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