For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through suffering. For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified have all one origin. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brethren... Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage... (Hebrews 2:10, 14-15)

    I recently was reading a tidbit about a young man who reportedly placed an ad in a New York City newspaper to this effect:

Inexperience is the most valuable thing a man can bring to a new job. A man of inexperience, you see, is forced to rely upon imagination and verve, instead of timeworn routine and formula. If you’re in the kind of business which is penalized by routine and formula thinking, then I’d like to work for you. Inexperience is my forte. I’m 25-years-old and have the ability to become enthusiastic and emotionally involved in my work.

    The young man was quickly hired by a chain of photo studios. Why? Because he knew he was inexperienced, didn’t try to hide it, and also saw the positive in his inexperience. Life ahead would be an adventure. He didn’t have to choose ruts or repeat mistakes. His road was a new one and he was ready to travel it with passion.

    There are a lot of areas in which I am inexperienced. For some of them, I’m thankful. I’m blessed NOT to have had some experiences that others have had to face. In some areas, I just haven’t had the opportunity yet to enjoy the experience that still lies ahead.

“Even though I walk through through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, because you are with me!”

    There is, however, one experience that I will have that I don’t have to face alone. When Jesus died, he cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” This cry of anguish, despair, and faith was taught him from an early age as Psalm 22 became a part of his soul language. As he endured death, passed through the dark world of Hades, paying for my sin and redeeming my unrighteousness, he was a trailblazer. He was the point man in my platoon checking out the path and looking out for the enemy. But now that he has triumphed, I know that the words of the old Shepherd Psalm are more than just poetry: “Even though I walk through through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, because you are with me!”

    What Jesus couldn’t say as he faced death, I can confidently claim. What Jesus endured as a pioneer, I can now pass through following a trail blazed by his righteous faith. I may not be able to “go where no one has gone before,” but I am thankful, inexperienced as I will be, that I can go confidently knowing that I will not have to stand alone. As I travel this trail, I will be enthusiastically and emotionally involved in my work because I know that when my day is through, I get to go home to my older brother in glory!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Title: "Inexperienced, But Anticipating the Trip!"
Author: Phil Ware
Publication Date: June 4, 2001

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