Our Great High Priest
Scripture Reading — Hebrews 4:14-16
Since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses.
Occasionally I'm asked to lead a worship time at a local assisted care facility for people who can no longer care for themselves. Some of the residents have frequent visitors, but others spend their days without family or friends. They are often lonely because few people other than the staff pay attention to them. Once a resident whispered to me, "I have no one!"
It's been a privilege to talk with them about the great high priest who, in the words of the writer of Hebrews, is able "to sympathize with our weaknesses."
The risen Savior is able to feel what we feel. He can feel our pain, he sees our tears, and he knows our sorrow. He also knows about loneliness.
But talk is cheap. The lonely people in our lives need more than talk. They need to sense the presence of the great high priest through us.
The great high priest wants to use you and me to represent him, to remind them, through our presence, of his care.
Take some time today to think of people you know who have no one and who need to be reminded of the presence of the risen Savior. Then make time to write or call or visit.
Lord Jesus, be with those who have no one in their lives, and move us to be willing to represent you. For your sake and in your name we pray. Amen.
About the author — Arthur J. Schoonveld
Rev. Art Schoonveld is a retired minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Before retiring in 2001, he served churches in California, Illinois, and Michigan. Since his retirement he has worked part-time for the denomination and has served as an interim pastor. Art and his wife, Anita, have four children and nine grandchildren.
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