Daily Dose of the Word of God - Hebrews 4: 14-16

Erin Pacheco, Director of Worship

Transcript

Erin Pacheco  0:06

 
Welcome to Elmhurst CRC’s Daily Dose of the Word of God. Today is Friday, March 14 and Sunday is coming. I’m Erin Pacheco.  It’s the season of Lent, and as we journey with Jesus, this week we’re paying special attention to how Jesus responds to the death of his dear friend Lazarus. In short, Jesus wept. He stood by the graveside and grieved openly, just like the rest of Lazarus’ family and friends.  I’m reminded of these words from Hebrews 4: 14-16.

Erin Pacheco  0:44  

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted and tried in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Erin Pacheco 1:10  

As the old hymn says, “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear. Jesus knows our every weakness. Take it to the Lord in prayer.”   These words were written by Joseph Scriven, a gifted writer and minister whose life was marked by hardship. He grew up in Ireland in the early 1800s. As a young man, he was engaged to be married to his sweetheart, but tragically, she drowned the night before their wedding. Joseph was unable to save her in time, and afterward he said, “the bottom of my world seemed to disappear.” Heartbroken, and needing a fresh start, Joseph moved to Canada, where he settled into a life of ministry, teaching and preaching. He got engaged again to the daughter of a friend, but tragically, she too died shortly before their wedding. Around the same time, Joseph got word that his mother back in Ireland was sick, but he didn’t have the means to travel back and see her. So he wrote her this letter and included the words that we now know as the song “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” He says, “Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?” Joseph had learned from experience that, even in tragedy, Jesus was by his side like a friend, weeping with him. For the rest of his life, the sadness never left him. But Joseph Scriven also became known for his compassion and service to those in need. One person described him as “the man who saws wood for poor widows and sick people who are unable to pay.”   Friends, Jesus knows our every weakness. Whatever griefs or struggles or pain you feel today, take it to the Lord in prayer. 

Erin Pacheco 3:24  

Jesus, thank you for fully entering into our experience — even our hardest moments. In this season of Lent, as we open up to you our darkest corners, would we know the light of your comfort and grace and peace. Amen.