He’s One of Us

He’s One of Us

We were halfway back to Jerusalem on our tour bus. Fifty of us had been down to Ein Ghedi visiting the Dead Sea. It was hot, the scenery was pretty desolate, and we were tired.

Out of the bushes stepped a soldier carrying a machine gun in front of our bus.  Rather than swerving to miss him, our bus driver pulled over to the side of the road, opened the door and let the soldier on the bus.

As our bus resumed its movement, every eye was on the young soldier who now stood in front of us. He flung his rifle over his back and made his way to the rear of the bus and sat down. His uniform had the Star of David on it, which meant he was a part of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF). Sensing everyone’s nervousness, our tour guide got on the intercom and said,

“It’s okay, he’s one of us.”

Interestingly enough, that phrase actually defines the basic IDF structure. When young people first serve in the military, they are put in a squad of twelve others just like them. They will be in this squad for the rest of their military service.

Their training is intense and brings out the best and worse in all of them. Prior to the squad’s first assignment they select a leader from among themselves. This man becomes the squad Sergeant, or “Samal.” They all agree that he will be the best and most trustworthy leader in the heat of battle. They have seen him under pressure. They know him. He’s one of them.

One From Among You

King, Priest, and Prophet were the three main offices of leadership in the Old Testament.  When God gave guidelines for who would fill these roles, there is a striking parallel.

“One from among your brethren you shall set as king over you; you may not set a foreigner over you, who is not your brother.” (Deuteronomy 17:15)

“The Lord your God has chosen Levi out of your tribes to minister as priest in the name of the Lord, him and his sons forever.” (Deuteronomy 18:5)

“The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren.” (Deuteronomy 18:15)

The leader must come from within the people. He must be one of them. This would create a bond of trust. They people knew their leaders understood what they needed because he was one of them. And it prevented the leader from getting prideful. Israel’s best leaders were those who remained humbly dependent on God, never forgetting they were just people. The Book of Hebrews illustrates it this way…

“For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men…he can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness.” (Hebrews 5:1–2)

A leader must be able to identify with the people. To know what they are facing. To know their fears, their needs, and their hopes. And this is what makes Jesus’ ministry to us so powerful and so effective.

“In all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest.” (Hebrews 2:17)

“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.” (Hebrews 4:15)

Jesus Became One of Us

Jesus understands what you are facing, because he’s faced it. He knows what it is like be attacked by the enemy, because he’s been attacked. He knows what it’s like to be afraid, to be uncertain, to be angry, to be tempted, because he’s also been. But what’s more amazing, is that Jesus knows how to face everything and anything without falling, and He wants to help you do the same.

“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 4:16)

So what’s stopping you? Go to him. Tell him anything. He’ll understand. There’s nothing to be afraid of. It’s okay…he’s one of us.