Click here to watch my video reflection on our text for today, or keep reading for my written reflections: 

Today as one of our readings, we look at Hebrews 2: 14-18: 

14 Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. 16 For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

Today’s passage from Hebrews has within it a couple of things that are very important for us to understand.  First, I love what we are told in v 15 – he has set us free from the power of death. When on the cross, and through the empty grave, the power of the devil was defeated.  We no longer have to be afraid of the thing that most of us free the most – death.  That has been defeated.  

What more can man do to us?  Death, for the Christian, is not the end, but when we die, we enter fully into God’s domain. We do not have to be afraid of death.  Now, I’m not itching for it, I’ve got a lot of life left, there are many, many things that I want to do and to experience.  But I (and you) do not have to live in fear of death.  Live every day fully!  Enjoy every moment God has given us.  But not be afraid of life, or death.  God holds both. 

V 18 also shares something very powerful for us. We are told that as Jesus was tested, we will be there for us in our times of test.  When we go through testings, when we go through times of trouble, we are not alone. We have to open ourselves up to God’s presence, however. We have to listen. We have to look. We have to be aware.  God is always with us, especially when we face trials and trouble.  Just as Jesus endured them, so will He help us endure them.  

I think that’s why it is important for us to have regular times of prayer throughout our day.  Now I’m not talking about 45 minute prayer meetings, I’m talking about every few hours stopping for just a moment. Breathe in. Breathe out.  Listen for God.  Quiet yourself, quiet your soul.  Listen.  You will hear.  Seek.  And you will find. 

When we turn to God in these moments, we find the strength we need for our times of trial. Especially in this season of Lent, if you are fasting from something, use these moments to open yourself up to God’s presence.  You will find it.  And He will be that help in times of trouble.  

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