Page Four: “The Word Became Flesh” 12/30/2012
First, Jesus, the Man, perfectly understands you and me. Here’s how Paul says it. Hebrews 4:15 “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”
Because of the incarnation of Christ, we have a High Priest Who, not only is a personal Priest for us, we also have Someone Who understands us. You see, prior to coming into this world, the LORD was not tempted quote “like as we are.” But now, having taken on flesh just like yours, the LORD both experienced and defeated temptation. Today He stands in glory as your High Priest Who has been tempted, yet apart from sin. Folks, He knows from personal experience how to handle everything for you before His Father. The next time you are tempted to give in to sin, recall Hebrews 4:15 “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” First, Jesus understands. Second, He intercedes for you personally. Here’s Romans 8:34. Romans 8:34 “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Today, you have Someone in heaven to advocate for you both when you are tempted as well as when you’ve completely blown it. Jesus stands before the Father, in essence, as your Defense Counsel. He speaks on your behalf. And what does Jesus say in your defense? That He, Jesus, is the Savior, Protector, Defender, and Supporter of you and me. Here’s Hebrews 7:25 “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” |
Folks, you may think it was enough that the LORD saved you from your past sins. But that was not enough. Jesus today stands as your Representative before His Father, defending you as a Perfect Advocate. He is right now interceding for you before His Father’s throne.
Do you have Someone Who is praying for you right now? Who is that? And what happens when you suffer, who is it that fully understands your pain? Who understands when you are persecuted for your faith? To some we could ask “Who is it that is with you in that prison? Who’s with you in that hospital room? Who’s with you in your times of failure? Who’s with you in that trial? Who’s standing up for you even when you don’t deserve it?” You see, you’ve got Someone Who both fully understands you and He’s ready at a moment’s notice to pray for you and to defend you? And when the LORD prays, will His Father ever refuse His request? And When He defends you; will His Father ever reject His defense? Folks, it’s not just a good thing to believe in. The incarnation of Christ provides you with Someone Who is your Intercessor before the Throne of God. One of the greatest of the Christmas Carol is this one. We know it as “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.” In that Carol in the second verse we read this. Christ by highest heav'n adored Christ the everlasting Lord! Late in time behold Him come Offspring of a Virgin's womb Veiled in flesh the Godhead see Hail the incarnate Deity Pleased as man with man to dwell Jesus, our Emmanuel Hark! The herald angels sing "Glory to the newborn King!" |