Quest for Hope
Mercy’s Kiss 2-18-16
Hebrews 4:14-16
Last night we enjoyed a great discussion with our lesson about the work of grace in salvation and our eternal hope in receiving, living, and serving in Christ’s power. We must not allow unbelief to have any place in our hearts. Today, we are going to reap a harvest by learning to reach for Mercy’s Kiss.
Hebrews 4:14-16 “So then, we must cling in faith to all we know to be true. For we have a magnificent King Priest—Jesus Christ the Son of God—who rose into the heavenly realm for us, and now sympathizes with us in our frailty. He understands humanity, for as a Man, our magnificent King Priest was tempted in every way just as we are, and conquered sin. So now we come freely and boldly to where Love is enthroned, to receive mercy’s kiss and discover the grace we urgently need to strengthen us in our time of weakness.”
Every human being desires power. It is why we love the superhero stories; the weak and ordinary becomes the powerful and extraordinary. We can identify with the weak and ordinary parts when life becomes really difficult, can’t we? We want to change things for ourselves and those we love, but we just do not have the power to do it in our own strength. In the midst of really challenging times, we have this voice going on in our heads telling us just how pathetic we can be and how short we fall from being extraordinary. That voice is not Jesus—the King Priest. That mindset is not focused on receiving Mercy’s Kiss—the strength of Christ. What do I mean?
Remember, Christ understands our human weakness, because he entered the world as a human being (fully God yet fully human). He knew we needed a Savior who would come with Mercy’s Kiss. When we invite Christ to inhabit the center of our being, by the Spirit he comes to set up his throne room within us. Can you imagine? He rules heaven and earth and he desires to live within and operate through human beings. Wow! Christ’s followers are all connected by the same King on the same throne of Love; His Word of Love connects us. Out of this dwelling place, the Spirit sends transforming messages (the Word) to us for our lives and generates power so we may live for God as His representatives of grace. Get this, we hold within us extraordinary supernatural true Hero power; we possess it because we are a temple for the King Priest. As our character conforms to the image of our King of Love, we can access more of His power when we are weak. To be led by the Spirit is to be a son or daughter of the Most High.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the comfort of this lesson, today. I never have to face anything in life in my own strength. As I listen to the ever present Spirit and use love as my fuel, I can appropriate your strength in exchange for my weakness. Thank you for your great love and grace! In Jesus’ name. Amen.