December 9, 2004

THE ABLE HELPER

"Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted" (Hebrews 2:18, NIV).

Jesus is eminently qualified to be the "Able Helper" of the human race. By coming to earth as a human and successfully resisting temptation and enduring human suffering, Jesus passed the test with flying colors.

Because Jesus passed the test, those who follow in His steps are at a significant advantage since they are contending with a defeated foe. Christ has ensured our victory by His victory over Satan. His victory is the Christian's assurance of victory. Because He endured human temptations successfully and suffered the deepest of human suffering, Jesus is fully qualified to be our "Able Helper." He is no novice. He knows human needs by personal experience and is therefore abundantly able to help in every time of need. That's why we are encouraged to "approach the throne of grace with confidence" for "grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:15, 16, NIV).

As our "Able Helper," Jesus provides the way of escape in every temptation (see 1 Corinthians 10:13), according to our individual strength and ability to endure. Our "Able Helper" is a sure winner who has never lost a fight, and all His victories have been by knockouts! What an "Able Helper" we have on our side! His invitation is simply to come for grace to help us in our time of need. "For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succor them that are tempted. We have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities... Jesus the Pattern for humanity, must know from painful experience all about a wounded spirit and a broken bleeding heart, and a burdened, perplexed and tempted mind."--The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, p. 1181.

My Prayer Today: Lord, I respond to Your invitation, to come with confidence. As I do so, give me grace to help in time of need. Amen.