Hope Lutheran Church in Warren, Michigan

 How do we see Jesus?  Do we look for Him in a beautiful sunset, in a moving worship service, in the birth of a child, or in a feeling deep inside?  Might I suggest that we see Jesus as the writer to the Hebrews saw Him - in glory and a graveyard.

"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man."  Hebrews 2:9

Even now, though Jesus is crowned with heavenly glory and honor, we are directed back to His death.  We see Jesus as the One who tasted death for every man.  He tasted death so that we might not have to dine at death's table for eternity.  We see Jesus crowned with glory and honor, but never separated from His death.  Even in glory His hands, head, feet and side still bear the marks that He tasted death for everyone.  And so...

If Jesus tasted death for us, then he also knows!  He knows what we fear, how we struggle,what our pain feels like, how dark it all can look, and just how lonely and forsaken people can feel.  He knows, and promises to never leave us or forsake us.  Don't go it alone!  Turn to the One who tasted death for you, and find in Him the strength, hope and peace to carry on ... to the glory at His side!

 Don't forget there's Homework:

+Where do you try and go it alone, and how does Jesus tasting death for us help us through?

+What secrets do you hold and hide?  Jesus knows, and will love  you and lead you through them.

Prayer Requests:

+Pray for Pete Bede who is beginning a new round of cancer treatment, and Nancy Bandemer who is waiting for reports.

+Ask God to strengthen our faith, and trust that He tasted death for us, and knows exactly what we need in all situations.

Jesus is our Hope!

+ Pastor John+