BY: Pastor Bob Miller
CHAPTER READ: Hebrews 8
SCRIPTURE SELECTED: Hebrews 8:7
7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.
OBSERVATION: Jesus became our High Priest representing us before God the Father. He walked as we walked and prayed as we prayed, calling upon God as we do for deliverance and help in time of need. With “prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears, He prayed to the one who could save Him from death.” And we are told that He was “heard because of his reverent submission.” He was “heard” and yet He went to the cross. The answer to His prayer involved a “resurrection”, not a “deliverance”.
APPLICATION: Just because our prayers aren’t answered just as we “wish” doesn’t mean that they were not “heard”. It may mean that God has something greater that He wants to accomplish. Jesus understands those times of “waiting” for the answer. He was able to walk in confidence to the cross because He had spent time talking to God His request with a reverent submission: “not my will but Thine be done”. I’ve got to ask myself, am I just throwing prayers up to God, or am I truly offering them to Him in reverent submission?
PRAYER: Lord, You understand me because You walked as I walk. You know what it is like to face death, to be afraid, to seek answers from Your Father. I’m glad that I have You to help me in my praying and in my walking! May I truly live with today with the heart that says: “Not my will but Yours be done!” Amen