Daily Reading: Hebrews 5-6
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. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. (Hebrews 5.7-8)
Devotional Thought: Have you ever felt like crying? Jesus did. "Jesus wept" at the tomb of Lazarus, but Hebrews 5 most assuredly refer to Jesus’ weeping as he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. He faced his coming arrest, trial, torture, and crucifixion with loud crying and many tears. Though God did not deliver Jesus from the cross, he delivered him through it. He was heard. He may not have felt like it on the cross (Remember he cried, “My god, why have you forsaken me?”), but he was heard.
Perhaps you have been through times and seasons in your life when you were not sure that God was hearing you. Remember Jesus' experience and what he learned about prayer:
Reverence – We come before a holy God. Even Jesus, the Son of God, was reverent.
Submission – Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done.” And he meant it! If we want to get God’s attention, then nothing works quicker than submission to God’s will.
Sonship – Jesus was assured of his unique relationship with his Father. You, too, should remember that you are a child of God, and God will not forsake those he loves.
Obedience – I wonder why we bother to ask God for help when we haven’t accepted the help and followed the council he has given us in the past. If I really want God to help me then I will live in obedience to his commands, for that is the first part of improvement and deliverance.
Suffering – When you suffer, remember this: God is close to the broken-hearted and the oppressed. He takes special note of your suffering.
Have confidence, child of God. He hears you.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, that you submitted to the will of the Father and went to the cross as a sacrifice for my sins. Help me to remember your faith in suffering whenever I am tempted to believe that God is not listening. Amen,
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 51:7-15
7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you.
14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
15 Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise.
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