Oh, Unrequited Love!

During this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Sam shared with us a point that is central to our faith: our humanity does not mean that we have to sin. The proof for this statement is found in Jesus, our Lord who became man and lived life on earth without sinning. It is a point that is reiterated throughout the book of Hebrews: For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses. Instead, we have one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet he never sinned (Hebrews 4:15).

One of our challenges is that we perceive temptation as sin. The devil will always offer us opportunities to do the wrong thing. Our flesh too, in its depraved state, will (if left unchecked) chase after things and people that are harmful to the state of our souls. However, the temptation in and of itself is not the sin. What does the Scripture say?

Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. (Matthew 4:1)

For inasmuch as Jesus has himself felt the pain of temptation and trial, He is also able instantly to help those who are tempted and tried. (Hebrews 2:18)

The high priest is able to deal gently with ignorant and wayward people because he himself is subject to the same weaknesses. (Hebrews 5:2)

Matthew Henry's Commentary makes a profound connection between temptation and prayer:

"The High Priest must be a man, a partaker of our nature. This shows that man had sinned. For God would not suffer sinful man to come to him alone. But every one is welcome to God, that comes to him by this High Priest; and as we value acceptance with God, and pardon, we must apply by faith to this our great High Priest Christ Jesus, who can intercede for those that are out of the way of truth, duty, and happiness; one who has tenderness to lead them back from the by-paths of error, sin, and misery. Those only can expect assistance from God, and acceptance with him, and his presence and blessing on them and their services, that are called of God. This is applied to Christ. In the days of his flesh, Christ made himself subject to death: he hungered: he was a tempted, suffering, dying Jesus. Christ set an example, not only to pray, but to be fervent in prayer. How many dry prayers, how few wetted with tears, do we offer up to God! He was strengthened to support the immense weight of suffering laid upon him."

Herein lies a compassion that some may find strange. It is the compassion to urge people to live, and it is also a compassion that allows people to die. Jesus, our great High Priest, honors the plan of the Father... and God our Father has given each of us free will.

At the other end of the spectrum, another challenge is that we prefer our strongholds. Do you remember the account of the rich young ruler? He was a man who seemed to be doing quite well. He was gainfully employed, he kept the commandments of God, and he had a track record of being seen in the right place doing the right thing. But, Jesus informed this young man of a deep stronghold and instructed him to let it go.

Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, "One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property. (Mark 10:21-22)

The hymn-writer nailed the theme: Oh, the deep deep love of Jesus! Our Lord comes to us with ever-present compassionate care, and look at what we do to Him. We hoard our resources. We won't pray. We remain tightly yoked to unbelievers. We cling to known sin. Like the rich young ruler, we look in the face of Love, get sentimental about our temporal toys, and walk away from the King of Glory. And guess what? He loves you so much that He will let you make the choice to walk away.

My prayer is that none of us will walk away from our High Priest, Jesus. He knows how we feel, and He asks us to suffer with Him.

Close the joint account with sin. The rich young ruler, a faithful synagogue attender and keeper of external laws, knew that his life was not right. Jesus showed him that he could not be a true disciple unless he dealt with the stronghold of the love of money. What sin-based "joint accounts" are you and I holding, that Jesus is asking us to close?

Cling to Jesus, the only Savior. In Mark 10:23-31, Jesus informs His disciples that the only way to crush strongholds is by the power of God. "With man this is impossible, but not with God." Jesus, Himself fully man, teaches us that our humanity in and of itself will keep us out of the kingdom of God. We need a Savior, and God has graciously provided Jesus! His blood has made the way for our salvation.

This is not easy. The rich young ruler, knowing Jesus's love for him, walked away. While thousands flocked to hear Jesus speak, only a handful embraced Him as Lord (see John chapter 6). I pray that we will not just be entertained spectators, but that we will completely give ourselves over to the Lordship of Christ.

He loves you. Do you love Him?