Support Team
We knew exactly how to get under each other’s skin and we would do it regularly.
Reference: v.1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense – Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. (NIV Bible)
Explore: There seems to be a special bond between some siblings, I know there is with my sisters and me. Growing up together we fought like cats and dogs. Everything was a competition and whoever didn’t win would sulk and complain. We knew exactly how to get under each other’s skin and we would do it regularly. I don’t know how my mother coped with us. There are still times now where we frustrate each other but if we were to hear anyone else say something negative about our siblings then we would quickly come to their defence. If we ever need someone to back us then we are the first to join the support team. Just recently I called my eldest sister to let her know about a new opportunity that I was a little hesitant about. Her words of affirmation are still ringing in my ears, ‘Go for it Linda, you’d be great at that!’ I was chatting to my other sister about the paperwork I needed to complete for this new venture and she was offering me some of her own templates, suggestions for wording and put her hand up to proof-read through it. We still have our little quibbles but underneath it all we know that we are there for each other.
Application: In a similar way, Jesus is like our holy brother. If ever we are in need or going through a tough time, Jesus will come to our defence. He is our greatest advocate. He has walked in our shoes, He understands us completely and, while there are some areas in our life that we can definitely improve on, He is there to encourage us and back us all the way. Jesus is our greatest defender. He loves us so much that he died in our place and is still present in our lives to guide us and support us along the way.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for supporting us and being there for us each step of the way. We don’t always do things the right way but we praise you for being there for us when we need you. Amen.
Who is one of your greatest advocates? How is Jesus a great defender for you?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.