Tenderhearted Father

Tenderhearted Father Ernie Vanderwalt

In Hebrews, Jesus is called our High Priest who, having ascended to heaven, sits at the right hand of God making intercession for us. But what does that mean? Simply put, He intervenes and advocates on our behalf, pleading with the Father, because He has fully lived what we are going through.

The human experience is about vulnerability, being powerless and, at times, suffering. And this was what brought Jesus to maturity, according to Hebrews 2:10. He experienced the fullness of our frailty and humanity! That is exactly why He is able to deeply sympathize with our weaknesses!

God is not remote and distant, but intensely interested and acutely sensitive to how it feels to be human. He knows exactly where you and I are, the pressures we face, and the stress and anxiety we carry. Yet, He is able to relate to us in every respect.

Such knowledge should bolster our confidence to approach Him with immovable assurance. The longing of His heart is to be there for us. He desires to help us through our struggles. He is faithful, full of mercy and kindness.

“Because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted, He is able to help and provide immediate assistance to those who are being tempted and exposed to suffering” (Hebrews 2:18).

In Mel Gibson’s movie, “The Passion of the Christ,” the crucifixion scene shows a large drop of water -- like a teardrop -- falling to earth. It seems to portray the suffering and death of Jesus from above, displaying a sign of God the Father’s pain and grief.

Imagine seeing a loved one being brutally executed, beaten, dying in agony from asphyxiation. We so often omit to ask or think what was in the Father’s heart as He watched His beloved son die such a cruel death.

David recognized that God understood his suffering. In Psalm 56:8, he wrote: “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.”

Wow! Every tear matters to God. Yes, that’s what His Word says. He hears every cry. In our suffering and distress, He is not far off. Isaiah 63:9 tell us: “In all their affliction He was afflicted . . .” Whatever we face in our lives, He sees our troubles and has pity on us, promising to carry us with His love.

Prayer: “Heavenly Father, You are the Father of compassion who longs to show Yourself faithful on my behalf. Thank You that You are not distant, but present in my pain, promising to sustain me. LORD, I desire Your heart of empathy so that just as You have comforted me, it may flow from my life to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Digging Deeper: 2 Corinthians 1:3–8; Psalm 34:18; 147:3; Hebrews 12:1–11; Psalm 23; Ephesians 4:32.

Soaking Song: Wonderful, Merciful Savior https://youtu.be/wDMhpShQLn0