Hebrews 5 ~ he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people.

Hebrews 5

For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. 3 Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.

5 So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him,

“You are my Son,
today I have begotten you”;

6 as he says also in another place,

“You are a priest forever,
after the order of Melchizedek.”

7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 10 being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

11 About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

Doctor, My Eyes

Songwriters: BROWNE, JACKSON

Doctor, my eyes have seen the years
And the slow parade of fears without crying
Now I want to understand
I have done all that I could
To see the evil and the good without hiding
You must help me if you can
Doctor, my eyes
Tell me what is wrong
Was I unwise to leave them open for so long
'Cause I have wandered through this world
And as each moment has unfurled
I've been waiting to awaken from these dreams
People go just where there will
I never noticed them until I got this feeling
That it's later than it seems
Doctor, my eyes
Tell me what you see
I hear their cries
Just say if it's too late for me
Doctor, my eyes
Cannot see the sky
Is this the prize for having learned how not to cry

Today was one of those days. The desire to be emotion free over a dinner party to
a new group. With not a lot of response. The desire to be in control of my own
destiny and not emotional. That just didn't work. Instead there was a compassionate
response born from knowing we all have those times, and to be who we are is
actually good for us. Who needs a crowd when what you actually grow from
those, acting as Jesus, willing to sit and participate with you.

In Jesus Christ we have an example of someone willing to be themselves. In Jesus Christ we see Him in those willing to reach out.

deal gently

he himself is beset with weakness

no one takes this honor for himself

did not exalt himself

called by God

learned obedience through what he suffered

hard to explain

basic principles

constant practice to distinguish good from evil

Discomfort limits life. The plain unwillingness to plunge in. I feel that way about cold water in the summer during swimming season. Yet we have new research saying this actually makes all of our smallest of blood vessels more durable and alive. Suffering exercises our compassion ability. Like a flower opening. We are willing to open our hands and say with open hearts. Here I am, Lord, send me.

Father God, allow me to be willing to open my hand. Send me, Father God, send me.
In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.


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