Wednesday, March 11
Read Hebrews 5:1-10
The author of Hebrews is not merely claiming that Jesus is our savior and intercessor; he is making the claim that Jesus has paved a way for us to follow. If we are being called to be priests as he is, how are we to live? As people who are beset with weakness, we must be able to deal “gently” with the “ignorant and misguided.” Roger Hahn explains these words this way, “The word translated deal gently means to restrain, control and change one's own feelings. It referred to the golden mean between indifference and sickening sweetness. It spoke of tolerance that understands the range and reality of real human problems but is not indulgent of that which goes beyond the normal. A priest who was repulsed by rather typical human failings will not be able to help the person because of his own disgust for them.” Who are the people who might disgust you this week because of their sin? Who are the people who simply get under your nerves because they can’t seem to get it. . . the ignorant and misguided? Your exercise for the day is this: Each time your feeling may turn to disgust or disdain (or even slightly lesser feelings) when dealing with someone, remember your own weaknesses. Remember that others have to put up with you. If you don’t think you have any weaknesses, ask some of your closest friends and they will tell you (they love you in spite of them). As you remember your weaknesses, remember that Christ loved (and loves) you in spite of them. After remembering your weaknesses, deal gently (as described above) with those around you.