"I Really Wish I Would Cry More Often"

Hebrews 5:1–4 ¹For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. ²He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. ³Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. ⁴And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.

            Who do you say that we are?  We claim to be many things and to be Christian too, but the question we need to ask ourselves is what is a Christian? 

 

Wikipedia says" Christian worldview (also called Biblical worldview) refers to the framework of ideas and beliefs through which a Christian individual, group or culture interprets the world and interacts with it. Different denominations of Christianity have varying worldviews. There are varieties of particulars within the Christian worldview, and disputes of the meaning of concepts in a Christian worldview, but certain thematic elements are common in the Christian worldview."

 

But, who do you say we are?  Are we an active and lively part of the body of Christ? 

Someone asked me once if I would lead you down some crazy path.  They did not consider that though I like to joke I really take the Holy Scriptures very seriously.  For anyone to take anyone else down some crazy path one would have to teach against the Holy Scriptures and that is something I cannot do because I truly do believe in Yahweh and His every written word.

James 3:1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

            Why do you think I harp on you to read and study the Holy Scriptures?  I thank you that most of you trust me, but truthfully, the more you know the Holy Scriptures the more you will know what I am teaching you.  What is important is for you to know more of what God teaches you, and you get that through the studying of the Holy Scripture through a... wait for it... a BIBLE STUDY, yep that's it. 

The Pharisees whom these verses were written about and for may have claimed to be more than what they really were.  But, I claim that I am just another sinful man who was called to teach both you and me what God's plan is for us, and that is salvation through God.  I, like all others am a sinner, who needs a savior, and a savior who will love me for what I am, and hopefully mold me to be one of His children.  I have much to sacrifice for I know my sin and though it might not be what my accusers say my sin is, it is clear to me and to God what my sin is, and what sacrifice needs to be made for them.  Thanks be to God that sacrifice was made through Jesus Christ.

            The Pharisees lifted sacrifices up to God for the sins of others. Hopefully if the Pharisees were true to their beliefs they also made sacrifices for their own sins.  I certainly do not lift up sacrifices to God for you or me, however I do lift up prayers for both you and me daily.  I certainly need prayer and repentance as much if not more than everyone else, and I try to go to our Lord regularly both night and day.  This is a good chapter of Hebrews for all pastors, priests, and saints to read and study. For it humbles us all, lets us all know our needs for a savior, and that nothing that is good for us comes only through God, Yahweh.

Hebrews 5:7–10 ⁷In 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. ⁸Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. ⁹And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, ¹⁰being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

            "I really wish I would cry more often," and especially when I pray.  We can certainly cry because we realize our sin, but we can also cry for joy when we realize that we have been forgiven.  I think we gain strength in faith and God when we do cry in our prayers.  It is not whining that we lift up to God, Yahweh, but deep respect, repentance, and reverence.  It is truly reverence when we lift up our tears to ask our Savior God for peace in our hearts through His forgiveness.  Jesus even cried loudly and for good reason that He gave tears.  Our Savior, our Christ gave up tears of love for all whom God calls and not just those to be pastors, but all whom He makes saints through the blood of His only begotten Son.  For Jesus Christ prayed for all who need to be saved from their sin, He prayed for you and me!

Mark 10:45 ⁴⁵For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

            Christ serves us through His works that come from the cross of salvation.  Our Lord and savior comes to us with His wounds He received from our sins and serves us forgiveness into eternal life and everlasting relationship with our God who loves us dearly.

Jeremiah 31:34 ³⁴And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

            Wow, isn't this awesome, not only does our God forgive us, but He also chooses not to remember our sins for all eternity.  It is a clean slate, a clothing of His righteousness, His means of grace, and mercy.  It is like the pearl that one found and sold His life to purchase this pearl that our God calls you and me, kept to be most valuable forever and ever.  What an Awesome and Wonderful God we have!  "I can cry in joy more often, Christ is our savior." Amen.