approach

“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 sympathize 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.”

Hebrews 4:14-16 ESV

If you knew how secure you are in Christ you would never stop running to him. 

Did you know it actually brings Christ joy the more you draw near to him? It’s quite natural for us to believe that our need for grace and mercy will eventually get a little redundant and annoying, but we couldn’t be more wrong. As a compassionate doctor seeks to provide healing for his patients, so the love of Christ our Lord seeks to heal his children (Mk 2:17, Lk 5:32)

The verse says it’s in our weakness Christ sympathizes with us. He feels our suffering in his own heart. And it is his joy every time we turn to him for restoration, with all our needs, failures and emptiness. He is not flustered or frustrated, wishing we could just figure it out already and get it right, for this is exactly why he came! He came to redeem the lost and provide care for the afflicted. He came to pour out endless grace and mercy on sinners like you and me simply because that is who he is (Eph 1:7, 2:7).

Not only does he sympathize with us but He encountered every temptation we would ever face, only he didn’t sin. This doesn’t mean it’s acceptable to sin because Jesus understands, rather demonstrates the victory we have through Christ. We should turn to Jesus to help us when we face temptations of any kind. He wants to help us. And his grace is the strength we need to get us through.

He is our gentle high priest, our one and only mediator whose atoning sacrifice made a way for all of us to enjoy eternal relationship with God. If you are tempted to lose hope today, trust the Lord is with you, standing with you, ready to encourage your heart. You can rely on Him, cry out to Him, lean on Him, and depend on Him, with absolute confidence that he will not turn you away.

additional reading:

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 7:7-9, Psalms 86:15
New Testament: Matthew 11:28-30, John 6:37

reflect:

How does the fact that Jesus faced the same temptations as you comfort you? What can we learn from his example? As you reflect on the grace and mercy bestowed upon you, how can you show this to others today? 

centering prayer

LORD, thank you that I am free from condemnation and have the authority in Christ to rely onYour grace. amen.