(^) You see, in the Incarnation, God comes to dwell with us in such a
way that he can look at the world through your eyes. He fully
understands what it is to be human and to face the temptations that
human beings experience. That is the triumphant note of Hebrews 4.
(^) Therefore, since we have this great high priest who has passed
through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to
the faith we possess. For we do not have a high priest who is
unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who
has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without
sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so
that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time
of need.
(^) (Hebrews 4:14-16)
(^) Jesus can look at the world through your eyes.
(^) I would have to confess, to my shame, that often my children had
a father who was unable to sympathize with their weaknesses. I was
too focused on correcting external behavior and not focused enough
on understanding my kids.
(^) But, as it often was for me, dealing with disobedience is a
wonderful opportunity to draw alongside our children. As you learn
their internal struggles with sin, you have an inside track. You, like
they, are a sinner. You can use your insight into the nature of
temptation to help them understand their own battles. You can also
encourage your children that the unending grace and mercy that you
have found in Jesus Christ is offered to them as well. In him there is
righteousness that we cannot produce, forgiveness that we cannot
merit, and power that we cannot generate. There is hope for needy
people in this one who became flesh and dwelt with us.
(^) In which of the imaginary conversations above can the gospel be
most powerfully presented? The answers are obvious. You will have
to develop skill at probing the heart if you want to really understand
barré
(Barré)
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