He’s Been There
Hebrews 2:5-18
I. Introduction
Back in 1990, the president of a large Christian organization received the news that his only son had been murdered in his taxicab in Denver, CO.
One observer at the funeral reflected on the point that Someone else’s Son had been murdered, and that He knew the pain and anguish of the young man’s parents.
That Someone else is God the Father. And not only did the Father know pain, so did the Son. In fact, God knows everything about we go through in life, because He’s been there.
II. He’s Been There – His Understanding
Let’s take a look at Hebrews 2:5-18. (Read passage)
Look back at verse 9: He suffered death.
v.14: He shared in our humanity.
v.15: He was tempted in every way we are.
v.17: He was made like us in every way.
v.18: He suffered when tempted.
He’s been through it all – sadness, pain, etc.
Have you been hurt by someone you love? He’s been there – everytime we disobey Him.
Has someone betrayed your trust? He’s been there. He trusted His disciples, including us, and look how many of His servants fall in disgrace.
Is the temptation you are faced with seem too much to bear? He’s been there – consider how He must have felt in the desert when the Devil tempted Him by reminding Him of His power to turn stone to bread. I would probably have taken him up on it, esp. if it was water he was talking about!
Have you suffered physically? He’s been there. We won’t go into the grisly details of Jesus’ torture and crucifixion. Suffice it to say it was horrible.
Have you suffered emotionally? He’s been there. During the fall of 1990, I was a hot-shot assistant manager of a Christian bookstore in Florida. One day I came home to tell my wife I had been fired. I had never been fired from a job before (or since, Praise God!), and I was humiliated. I had a wife and a 4 month old baby girl, and all of a sudden I could not support them. Any man here can tell you how low that can make a guy feel. Through it all, however, God made His presence known to me, comforting me and assuring me of His loving care…assuring me He knew what I was going through. Jesus suffered the anguish in the garden of Gethsemane, pleading with the Father to take away the cup of suffering He was about to drink, as well as crying out to the Father – “Why have You forsaken Me?” And of course, the humiliation He suffered on the cross for you and me is more than you or I will ever comprehend.
Are you flat-out weary of life’s pressures? He’s been there. Numerous times Scripture tells us Jesus got away to be alone, away from the crowds and their expectations of the Messiah.
III. He’s Above It All – His Power
BUT THAT’S NOT THE END OF THE STORY!! In fact, it’s only a small part!
Turn with me to Col. 1. (Read vv15-20)
I’m not talking about someone who just “feels your pain” and offers you an encouraging pat on the back with a quick, “I’ll pray for you, you poor dear.”
NO! I’m talking about the Son of Almighty God – powerful to save and deliver those who call on Him!
He’s not limited by time, space, or circumstance. How many times have you asked someone how they are doing and they answer, “Pretty good, under the circumstances.” Under the circumstances? What are you doing under there? Folks, we need to get out from under the circumstances and onto the Rock of our salvation! Psalm 18 says, “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
When life brings its worst, we can call upon the best God has to offer – Himself.
Two more Scriptures, and we will draw to a close.
IV. He’s Here Now – His Invitation
Turn with me to Hebrews 4:16 (Read) – He offers HOPE! He offers GRACE! And he invites you to take advantage of it!
Let me read Lam. 3:22-25. He wants to prove His faithfulness to you, if you’ll let Him. The Bible says that God is not a liar, and that He does not change His mind. He will be faithful.
HE HAS BEEN THERE. And He’s here for you now.
He’s the One who offers hope and invites you to His throne for help.
He is the One whose compassions are new every morning.
He is the One who is faithful – when we are faith less.
He is the Friend in Proverbs who sticks closer than a brother.
And He is the One who says, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
He’s ready when you are…Take up His offer of peace and rest.
V. Conclusion.
It starts with knowing for sure you’re going to heaven. If you are not sure, He invites you to take Him as your personal Savior, turning from your sins, and turning to Him for forgiveness and eternal life in heaven. Come to the One who will never leave you nor forsake you.
If you have that issue settled, then come to His throne. He will not turn His back on you, and He longs to help you, if only you will ask Him.
Remember:
He’s been there.
He’s above it all.
He’s here now.
I will remain up here after the service if you would like me to pray with you concerning anything we talked about this morning. If you would like to receive Christ as your Savior, I would take great joy in helping you do that. If God is tugging on your heart to let go of something and trust in the Rock, I would love to pray with you concerning that as well.
Let’s pray.
