Today's Scripture:

Hebrews 5:5-10 So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

Read: Reflect on a story in your life that pertains to this scripture.
This passage is focused on Jesus’ life on earth. Jesus came and put aside his glory. He did not come as a powerful high priest, but came as a man who suffered and gave the ultimate sacrifice - his life to provide eternal salvation for all of us who believe. When he prayed to his (and our) Father, he did not hold back, but prayed with loud cries and tears. He expressed all his emotions because he knew God so well and knew that his Father wanted to hear what He was feeling and wanted to comfort Him.

Reflect: What is this scripture telling you during this season?
There have been many times in my life when I have prayed earnestly with cries and tears, my heart aching for things that were happening, had happened or were about to happen. I have often wondered if my heart ache wasn’t really my fault because I wasn’t trusting God fully. I know Him and what He has done for me and what He promises, so why was my heart still hurting? It is so comforting to me to know that Jesus experienced heart ache like we do. He looked out at Jerusalem, crying over what was happening. He cried at Lazarus’ tomb over what had happened. He cried in the garden over what was to come. The real message in this passage is that we will not escape this world without heartache, but what we choose to do with that ache will make or break us. Jesus turned to the one who could save Him with reverence. We can do the same, we have a great high priest who gave his life for us and understands us. He promises in Hebrews 4:16 that we can approach Him with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Respond: How is this scripture calling you to respond?
This scripture calls me to draw near to God. To follow so close to Him that I become more and more like Him. The only way I know to do that is to spend time with him. God calls me to extend mercy and grace in small everyday things, a smile, a conversation, a forgiveness; as well as the big things and when I am prayed up, it sure does come more naturally.

About Cathy Finck:
I am a wife, mom of six (and one son-in-law), and soon to be lovey (trying out this name – like it?) to granddaughter number one due in July! I am a full-time realtor with several other part time gigs… mentor at Paul Revere Middle School, HOA board member and volunteer wherever I am needed.
My husband, David and I have been members of Grace since 1993 or so, raising our children here. I am serving as an Elder, VBS volunteer, Bible Study leader and on a couple of different committees.