A Savior Who Stoops
LISA HARPER
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“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16 (NIV)
Several months ago, my friend Shannon invited me to an event that I didn’t want to attend. I was worn out and hoping to enjoy a relaxing night at home.
Instead, out of respect for my friend, I drove across town with a heavy sigh. But it didn’t take long for my spirits to lift while chatting with friends. By the time the event was ending, I wanted to linger!
Shannon explained that we were going to share a time of prayer before concluding. She began by asking whoever was struggling with loneliness to stand. When I noticed a woman standing near me, I approached her, thinking, The least I can do is hug her so she doesn’t have to stand here by herself. The second I put my arms around her, it was like her emotional dam broke, and she began to sob.
The intercessory prayer went on so long that our embrace segued from sweet to a bit awkward. She whispered hoarsely, “I’m sorry.”
I whispered back, “Oh no, please don’t be sorry! I love this kind of authenticity.”
But she whispered with more fervency, “No, I’m really sorry.”
When I tried to explain again how grateful I was to connect on a deep level, she gently cut me off with a confession: “I’m not sorry about the hug. I’m sorry I got a big glob of snot in your hair!”
Later, I realized I’ve been to over 50 Christ-centered events this year, and the holiest thing I’ve experienced was getting to stand close enough to another of God’s image bearers that I got the residue of her heartache in my hair.
Then I found my heart slack-jawed with awe at the fact that Jesus, the King of kings, condescended to be close enough to us to get the residue of our heartache on His hands, feet, side, and head.
As Hebrews 4:15 says, “We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”
We have a Savior who stoops. What does this mean for us? Here, now, every day? It means we can run to Him in our loneliness, pain, anger, frustration, sadness, and joy, and He will pour out His mercy and grace.
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
Hallelujah, what a Savior.
Dear God, please give me grace to lean more fully into Your healing mercy. Forgive me for attempting to carry the weight of my heartaches alone. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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FOR DEEPER STUDY
Psalm 34:18, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (NIV).
John 1:14,“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (NIV).
When’s the last time you collapsed into Jesus’ wide-open arms? Do you need to now? Share with us in the comments!
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