Gentle and Lowly: Chapters 5-6

We’re moving steadily into the thick of our Fall OneRead, but it’s not too late if you still want to grab a book and catch up. I think we’d all agree that this book is challenging our assumptions about the stature of Christ’s heart for us, his children.

This week we’ve read about God’s gentleness and his sure promise to never cast out those who are united to him in Christ. Ortlund writes, “When Hebrews 5:2 says that Jesus ‘can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward,’ the point is that Jesus deals gently and only gently with all sinners who come to him, irrespective of their particular offense and just how heinous it is.” He continues, “when Jesus deals gently with us, he is doing what is most fitting and natural to him.“

Yet innate within us are deep suspicions of the intentions of Christ. When we find our faith mixed with unbelief, Christ provides us a promise. “But I am a great sinner, say you. ‘I will in no wise cast out,’ says Christ.” The only thing required is to come to Him - have you?

Here’s two questions for reflection this week:

Consider the word "gently" in Hebrews 5:2. What is a difficulty in your life right now that this word calms and heals?

"But I am ______ and I have ______, say you. 'I will in no wise cast out,' says Christ." How would you fill in the blanks for yourself? Why do you tend to deflect Christ's assurances?