Psalm 103:11-14; Hebrews 2:17-18; 4:14-16

Introduction:

1. One of our deepest emotional needs is to know that someone understands our plight.

2. Sadly, one of the most difficult things for us to do is to understand others.

3. Thankfully, the Lord knows our frame, and He handles us accordingly.

Discussion:

I. His Ways Are Not Our Ways

A. In Isaiah 55:1-7, the prophet extends God’s invitation for His people to come to Him, culminating with the call to forsake wicked thoughts and deeds to receive His mercy.

B. Verses 8-9 show why this is necessary; His thoughts and ways are immeasurably higher than ours, so how can we approach the Holy God? (cf. Job 9:32-33)

II. The Sympathizing Jesus

A. God has always had compassion and understanding for His children (Psalms 103:11-14).

B. This is the driving force behind the entire scheme of redemption (Ephesians 2:1-9).

C. Yet, this understanding took on a whole new dimension when Christ came to earth as God now knows our plight experientially, producing sympathy (Hebrews 2:17-18; 4:15).

III. The Impact of His Sympathy

A. Because of His taking on flesh and walking as a man, Christ ever stands giving us aid in our struggle (Hebrews 2:18; 7:24; 1 John 2:1-2).

B. The purpose of this knowledge is to bring about specific ends in our lives.

1. His standing as our High Priest is to give aid to us in our temptations (Hebrews 2:18).

2. Having this confidence gives us courage to hold fast our confession (Hebrews 4:14).

3. Trusting in His intercessory power, we can confidently (not brazenly or flippantly) come to the throne of grace, knowing mercy and grace await us.

C. Much the way knowing others stand with us in earthly matters emboldens us to face challenges, knowing He stands with us in spiritual matters emboldens us too.

D. In another vein, knowing how He sympathizes with us must promote sympathetic attitudes in ourselves towards others (Matthew 5:43-48; Ephesians 4:32-5:2; James2:13).

Conclusion:

1. Every human being needs to know he or she is understood and subject to compassion.

2. Without such, despair sets in, and the results can be catastrophic in a host of ways.

3. Let us thank the Lord every day for knowing our frame and handling us accordingly.

Further Food for Thought

1. Have you ever struggled to either give or receive sympathy in spiritual things?

2. If so, how do you suppose we collectively overcome this tendency?

3. See if Isaiah 42:1-4 and Matthew 12:18-21 can help in either case.