Hebrews 5:2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness.

It is an interesting thought exercise to think about what it was like for Jesus to taste weakness for the first time. He was born into the same physical weakness that we are, when He had been absolutely omnipotent. That degree of shock boggles the imagination. However, that was His choice: complete identification with humanity. As it says in the chapter just before this, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15) That last qualifier is important, because it is perhaps the most important difference between Jesus and us. He experienced all our weaknesses and triumphed over them for our sake. He triumphed, but we have no record of how much He had to struggle in the process. When we experience temptation we need to remember what Paul said about it: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) That’s what the writer of Hebrews is saying: Jesus can help us because He’s been through it too. Weakness is a touchy subject for a lot of people. We don’t like it! Paul had to go through a rough time to come to terms with it, but after God reminded him of His grace, he was able to say, “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10) Weakness is part of the human condition, but Jesus experienced it for us so that in turn, His power may rest on us.

This is something I need to remember constantly, but then, I get reminded of it pretty regularly! Physical weakness is something I have to deal with more and more as I get older, but at this point I think I am stronger than the average for 75. However, I’m not to presume on that, but exercise wisdom. (There’s an interesting play on words for you!) All I have been through to this point has made me stronger emotionally, but I still have to remember consciously that God is my refuge and strength. (Psalm 46:1) I can easily become unglued on my own! Spiritual strength is the big issue, and the big danger here is conceit. Countless spiritual leaders have gone down in disgrace because they thought they were somehow above all that, and that laid them wide open to attack. I’ve got to remember that my strength and wisdom are no match for the devil, and so rely totally on God, who is omnipotent.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for this past year, and that I have indeed grown some, as my younger daughter, at least, has recognized. Help me keep growing, depending not on me but on You, so that Your power may truly be manifested through me, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!