A Worthy Example

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.  Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed throuugh the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.  For we do not have a high priest who cannot who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.  Let uus therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4: 12-16 NKJV

In my post "Those Old Shoes" I attempted to make the point that people may not know just what we are going through unless they experienced it for themselves.  Then, hopefully they will see the extent of your struggles.  However, why do we even seek such confirmation from others?  Trials that are endured are personal to those who experience them.  Often we seek the confirmation of those around us perhaps to verify the struggle that we face.  For if we are facing struggles in our own life, then assuredly others around us have faced the very same condition.  We can rest assured that those around us have shared in our trials, for Jesus made the claim that all who follow Him would indeed face such times of temptation and trial (Matthew 10:22).  For we know in our hearts that we who follow Christ will endure hardships in our lifetime.  That's a given.   Knowing this, is there a example of just how we should handle these situation?  Well, interestingly enough, there is.  The apostle Paul tells us in Hebrews 4 of just such a example of good report.  He is none other than Jesus whom we serve.  As Paul claims, Jesus was "In all points tempted as we are, yet without sin."  Knowing this, can we truly claim that Jesus does not know what we are going through?  Indeed, there are some who make the mistaken belief that Jesus Himself never endured the very same trials which we are.  This is a dangerous thought.  For all one needs to do is look at Hebrews 4.  Now, I could never be like Jesus, I've already failed in that attempt even before I was born.  However, what Jesus does provide for us is an example of just how to handle the situations which we face.

Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.  You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.
Hebrews 12: 2-4 NKJV

Think you're having a tough time?  Consider the scourging endured by Christ.  Do you at times feel as if you are all alone in the trials which surround you?  Refresh your memory of that image of a innocent, sinless Jesus nailed to the cross.  You are not alone in your struggle!  If we feel that we are alone, then we forget the trials and crucifiction of Jesus.  The only crime of our Lord being His claim of the truth He was sent to proclaim.  For this He was put to death.  For US He became sin in our place.  Yes, Jesus is a perfect example for us to follow.  We can never be as He was, sinless and perfect without sin.  However, from Him we can see a example to follow in our time of need.  We have also not resisted in our trials to the point which Jesus did.  We have not shed our very blood in our struggle, but we can learn He who has.

~Scott~