Bible Reading: 2 Kings 23; Hebrews 5; Joel 2; Psalm 142
Hebrews 5:8-9 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.
Never think for a moment that Jesus Christ ever disobeyed the Father. The Bible is clear that he was without sin. However, in the flesh, he experienced what it is like for a man to obey God’s will and suffer for it. If Jesus had done things differently, he would not have been hated by the religious leaders of his day. He would not play at religion with them. He obeyed his Father and that ran against the grain of religious teachers of the day.
The suffering he endured as he went to the cross made him perfect the Bible says. He was perfect before that, but he proved that a man can obey God. What Adam lost in the Garden of Eden, Jesus Christ gained in his life and ministry. His suffering and death led to his resurrection and glory. The Scriptures tell us that suffering works that way in our lives.
James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Tribulation and suffering in our lives test our faith. When our faith is tested and it stands the test, it makes us perfect or complete. Jesus proved this for us. He went first now we can trust him in the tests that we face. He is the author of eternal salvation. If we will trust him he will save us!
Can you just imagine the love that God has for you that he sent his only begotten Son to experience something that he had never experienced? He experienced suffering, pain, thirst, hunger, and all the worst that the enemy could throw at him. He also tasted death for every man (Hebrews 2:9). He did this because of the great love that God has for us! You can trust Jesus. You can obey his Word because he loves you.
In Christ,
Rody
