Bible Diary - Hebrews 4:14-16

June 21, 2008

These are timeless and intensely practical verses for any Christian. All of Hebrews to this point has been about Jesus as our high priest. I suspect that many, if not all, serious Christians share my experience of becoming more and more aware of personal weaknesses. I call them my structural defects, which seems to have a nice engineering ring to it. This increasing awareness of weakness could easily lead to despair, since our standard is nothing less than the perfection of Jesus. This is where Jesus, in his role as priest, comes in, as we can see in these verses.

Jesus Our Compassionate High Priest

4:14 Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 4:15 For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. 4:16 Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help.

Reading these words gives me hope. Experiencing them is even better. If I ever had the idea that my weaknesses barred me from communion with God, this demolishes that idea. I can wearily haul this sin-stained soul to God’s throne and receive not the wrath that I deserve but mercy and grace. This is the help I need to return re-energized to the daily battle against the world, the flesh, and the devil. And with a smile on my face!

Dave, always needing that dose of confidence.

-sdg-

Posted by Dave | Filed Under Bible