language

"A friend was lecturing in Latin America. He was going to use a translator, but to identify with his audience; he wanted to begin his talk by saying in Spanish, "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen." He arrived at the auditorium a little early and realized he did not know the Spanish words for ladies and gentlemen. Being rather resourceful, he went to the part of the building where the restrooms were, looked at the signs on the two doors, and memorized those two words.

When the audience arrived and he was introduced, he stood up and said in Spanish, 'Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.'

The audience was shocked. He didn't know whether he had offended them or perhaps they hadn't heard him or understood him. So he decided to repeat it. Again in Spanish he said, "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen."

One person in the audience began to snicker. Pretty soon the entire audience was laughing. Finally, someone told him that he had said, 'Good evening, bathrooms and broom closets!'" (Author unknown)

There is a world of difference between someone who merely pays a visit and someone who "speaks your language". And it's more than just knowing the proper vocabulary. If you have suffered the loss of a loved one, there are some people who can comfort you, but there are others who truly "speak your language" because they've experienced a loss themselves. If your marriage seems to be falling apart, there are some people who can give you advice, but there are others who truly "speak your language" because they have faced the same difficulties. If you're struggling to make ends meet, there are some people who can lend a hand, but there are others who truly "speak your language" because they have known hard times in their lives.

That's why the incarnation of Christ is so very important. One of the reasons that Jesus took on flesh and blood was so that we would truly understand that God "speaks our language." He has been through what we're going through, he has overcome the obstacles that we are facing, he has been tempted in the same ways that we are tempted. He didn't just come for a visit -- he was one of us, and he understands.

"For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:15-16)

-alan smith