[I am currently on leave, while I am away, I am reposting these devotions from earlier in our Hebrews series].
Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV)
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
When Abraham Lincoln was running for president, he received a letter from an 11-year-old girl named Grace Bedell, who suggested he grow a beard to improve his chances of winning. Lincoln listened to her advice and grew his now-famous beard. Later, he met Grace and thanked her. I love this story, because it teaches us that no one is truly “too great” to learn or take advice. It warms our heart because it shows a leader who was humble enough to connect personally with someone of a far lesser station than he.
In Hebrews 4:14-16, we learn about Jesus, our great high priest, who goes beyond even what Lincoln does. He doesn’t just listening to the advice of an 11 year old, but rather actually steps into our low station. He, the creator of the universe, becomes one of us so that he could be our perfect sacrifice. He sympathises with our weaknesses and understands our struggles precisely because He has lived them.
Have you considered how remarkable this really is? How often do we feel isolated in our struggles? How often do we think “Am I the only one who deals with these temptations?”. Sin and temptation and struggle have this amazing ability to make us feel like we are going through it all alone, that no one truly understands what we’re going through. But Jesus does. He knows the weight of temptation and the sting of suffering. Because of this, we can approach Him with confidence, knowing He offers mercy and grace.
Now we come, not because of our own confidence. We don’t come because we know we can handle it, or because we think we have it sorted. We come precisely because we know that we are frail humans, who don’t have any leg to stand on. We come because God has accepted Jesus’ sacrifice as the great High Priest on our behalf. We come because we “hold fast our confession” – which is just another way of saying, we come because we trust in Jesus.
But we come also because Jesus actually really gets it.
He was tempted in every way. And so we know we are never alone.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for understanding my struggles and weaknesses. Help me to hold fast to my faith, knowing that You offer grace and mercy. Give me the courage to come to You with all my needs, trusting in Your compassion and strength. Amen.
Spiritual Challenge
Today, take a moment to pray for someone who is struggling. Reach out and offer a word of encouragement, showing them the same understanding and compassion that Jesus shows us.