Each and every human life will at some point encounter hardship, testing, and suffering. The scripture this week assures us that Jesus became one of us so that he knows what we feel, and can bring redemption and hope.
Worship with Holy Communion this week (with all services in the air-conditioned fellowship hall):
Saturday – 5:00 p.m. (modified traditional worship)
Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
10:00 a.m. Contemporary worship
Devotions for this week:
Praise for those being tested Hebrews 2:10-18 August 16-17, 2015
Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people.
Hebrews 2:17
Jesus became flesh and blood to atone for humanity’s sin. By doing so, Jesus freed all people from sin and death. Ultimately, sin and death do not prevail, and we are freed from suffering.
Read – Sunday, Hebrews 2:10-18, Praise for Those Being Tested
Monday, Hebrews 5:11-14, Warning against Falling Away
Tuesday, Hebrews 6:1-12, Peril of Falling Away
Wednesday, Hebrews 6:13-20, God’s Certain Promise
Thursday, Hebrews 7:1-10, The Priestly Order of Mechizedek
Friday, Hebrews 7:11-28, A Priest Like Melchizedek
Saturday, Hebrews 8:1-13, Mediator of a Better Covenant
- How did Jesus’ testing make him better able to relate to humanity?
- Why do you think there is suffering in the world?
- Do you believe God tests people? How do you view suffering in your own life? How does suffering shape your life?
Do: By acting on what we learn, we make God’s word come alive. Do the following activity this week.
Check your local news, social media, or your congregation to find people who may be experiencing suffering due to illness, grief, loss, or some other reason. Determine their need, whether emotional support, financial support, a meal, or something else. Provide for that need.
Bless: May God deliver you from suffering today and every day. Amen.
