Read today’s texts first: Hebrews 5-8
Those who say they don’t need a crutch like
Christianity, limp along, grasping at anything
but God to prop themselves up.
Last year on this day, I could see it in the faces of my fellow shipmates. They were there for a good time – what could be more relaxing than cruising the calm and balmy Caribbean (especially while missing the snowstorms back home). But at times I could see the emptiness, the loneliness, in their eyes. For many, something was missing!
I saw it in their actions too - their addictions. People so fat they could only move about on wheelchairs or scooters, mostly towards the buffet. Chain-smokers, clouding up the casino as they pushed the air conditioner beyond its limits. Gamblers, banging their heads against slot machines as the hypnotic sights and sounds sucked another $100 through their fingers. Drinkers, who shed more than their inhibitions while playing “adult” games in the ship’s lounges.
Why are we prone to addictions, to excesses? Our reading today provides the answer. We were created in God’s image to walk and talk with Him every day. He is our High Priest, our mediator, One who knows everything about us, experienced everything we have gone through and more, understands our weaknesses, and offers to be with us, helping us to live right every day.
Often my preChristian friends will tell me they don’t need a crutch like Christianity, and then they limp on their way, grasping at anything but God to prop themselves up. We weren’t created to live by ourselves, for ourselves, in our own strength. Jesus came to earth to break off our sinful attraction to worldly addictions and fill us up with Himself: “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” says the Lord: “I will put My laws into their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people” (8:10).
“Lord, You are all I need. You are my High Priest who is with me always. Your Word is written on my heart, filling my mind and spirit, and protecting me from the empty distractions of this world.”
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