Lent Devo

Armchair coaches. We all know them. In fact, if we are being honest, we have all likely been one a time a two. Giving our opinion on how a game should be played even though we have never played the game ourselves. And, if we’re being honest, we do it outside of the sports world, too. Watching from afar, giving our own play-by-play of how someone should handle a situation, how someone should be living their life when we have never been in their shoes. 

And, if we’re being honest,  sometimes,  it’s easy to find ourselves seeing Jesus as an armchair quarterback. When things aren’t going our way, we wonder if. He is just watching,  giving His opinion without really ever getting in the game. But, the thing is, He knows. He has been there. He has experienced it all.

 

The Message version of Hebrews 4:15-16 reads:

Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.

I love this translation of this verse.  You see, it’s easy for us forget that Jesus experienced it all. He understands. He knows our reality, because He has walked the road with us. And, He isn’t just sitting back watching things play out. He’s not just offering us hypothetical advice. He isn’t just watching. He offers us something greater than that. He jumps into the “game” with us and, instead of offering us His opinions, He offers himself.

So today, let’s fast seeing Jesus in an armchair coach role. Let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.”