Reflections

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

-Hebrews 5:14-16

I heard the words “you are valuable” leave my mouth. They just kind of slipped out of my mouth while speaking to a person. I saw this person's body language; looking down at the floor, shoulders slumped, as they shared their story with me. In the field of work I’m in, this is typically a sign of shame. It’s a sign of defeat. It’s a sign of being tired.

To hear the words, “you are valuable” or “you are valued” is important. For some reason, I heard the words out of my mouth and they hit me like a ton of bricks. I believe as much as I said it for that person, it was also for me. I believe God used my words to remind both of us that God sees and does value us. 

It’s weird when God decides to speak to people. Some people get a burning bush but I get my mouth saying something that was unexpected. God did use a donkey to speak to Baalman (Numbers 22), so I suppose God can use my own voice to speak truth to people.

As I was sitting, reflecting on my words, I realized why it hit me. I was going into the Easter season where we reflect on Jesus' death and resurrection. We reflect on the beauty that love provided mankind a savior who was willing to die for nothing he did but for the sins of man. I don’t know about others but I can speak for myself in feeling the value of my life.

Let’s be honest, humanity is a mess. We strive to do “the right thing” but eventually miss the mark. I believe most people can agree to this line of thought outside of the Christian faith. Yet, I believe that God, seeing our mess, came down, taught us how to live, and then chose to die in our place, in order to raise 3 days later to give us eternal life. That’s really a beautiful thought.

To know that we are valued and loved by the God who created all things and provides for all our needs, that idea should really bring us to a place of worship. It’s not because God needs our praise but more so because we are so blessed by his amazing grace. 

Today I will remember the grace that I have been given and sit in a place knowing that God not only loves me but all of humanity. It will influence me to see the beauty of his creation in others, so that I can serve and love my brothers and sisters. God's greatest gift is allowing us to know His deep love for his creation!