Scripture

 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.

Quote

Sympathy may be the sweetest thing that Jesus left to us in this sin cursed world.

~John Charles Ryle

Christian sympathy is rare, and it is far better than money. Money can be given without a lot of thought and certainly without the sacrifice of time. Job’s friend gave him tons of advice but no sympathy. It takes far less energy and time to give money or advice. Sympathy takes time. Have you considered lately the sympathy we get from our great High Priest? Although He was equal to the Father, He gave up the splendor of heaven to enter the realm of the flesh through the portal of Mary’s womb. He became a helpless baby. He even knows what it is like to be a teenager. Although He possessed divine powers, He lived in poverty, worked with His hands and walked everywhere He went. He experienced hunger, thirst, fatigue, rejection, injustice just to mention a few of the things He suffered. He is not only our High Priest, He is our sympathetic High Priest. He is not only our Savior, but also our compassionate Savior. He is the Son of God mighty to save, but also the Son of Man who is able to feel. What a fellowship, what a joy diving, we have a sympathetic friend who enters into our troubles with us. He knows and understands our anxieties. He weeps when we weep and rejoices when we rejoice. If you are blessed with a sympathizing spouse, friend, or pastor; you my friend are extremely blessed.

What do you think Job would have given for such a friend? What about David or Jeremiah? You can pretend to be tough; it is a defense mechanism, but deep down inside, you want sympathy. We all do! God has been good to me. He has given me at least one sympathetic friend in every situation and it is a tremendous help just to know that one person understands. God became a Man not only to save us but to sympathize with us. Even if no one else cares, we always know Jesus cares! The good news is that although He knows every weakness we have, He still cares. He is not only the good shepherd, but also the gentle shepherd. I marvel at his patience and gentleness. Although He has all authority, He never uses force. He never pushes or shoves.

Extra

I think the warming trend starts today and hopefully some rain by the end of next week. I have an oak to cut up in behind my office. It died from the drought we had several years ago. It died a little at a time. I am afraid this one is going to get most of my azaleas. Thank God it is Friday. I hope you have a great weekend. Pray for your pastor as he prepares his message for Sunday.