This painting means so much to me as it depicts a typical winter scene. (I grew up in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of MI). My brothers were such good boys, I think of them whenever I look at it. Reminding me of an innocent time of life, I can get lost in the memory.

Our heavenly Father provided his Son to be our brother, allowing him to share our suffering*. Jesus Christ the Lord endured with the purpose of becoming perfect in obeying the Father’s will.

If we are suffering because of our sin nature, we can take comfort and remember that our brother has helped us. He suffered under distressing temptation yet trusted the Father’s purpose. He was obedient unto death, even death on the cross. (Philippians 2:8). All of this to free us from being slaves to sin.

Although life does not always turn out as we had envisioned, we have a certain hope that our heavenly Father sees every sparrow that falls. Our lives are precious to Him. They are not wasted, but treasured.

No wonder we are refreshed when we see the joy of a family prospering through His grace. -Teresa #praiseHimpraiseHimallthelittlechildren #Godislove #AbrahambelievedGodanditwascreditedtohimas #righteousness #doubelieve?

*Becoming What God Intended by Dr. David Eckman

Hebrews 2: 10-18 (ESV)

10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source.[b] That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers,[c] 12 saying,

“I will tell of your name to my brothers;
in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”
13 And again,

“I will put my trust in him.”
And again,

“Behold, I and the children God has given me.”
14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

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Footnotes

Hebrews 2:7 Some manuscripts insert and set him over the works of your hands
Hebrews 2:11 Greek all are of one
Hebrews 2:11 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verse 12