How do you approach God? Do you approach him reluctantly? Tentatively? Nervously?
Or do you approach God with confidence?
“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
Jesus is a Great High Priest we can approach confidently. Jesus, the eternal Son of God, was born as a human, lived a perfect life, died to atone for our sins, rose again to conquer death, ascended back into heaven, and is waiting to return and make all things new. Our High Priest is not anxiously working and striving and hoping the Father will accept his sacrifice – he has already passed through the heavens and sat down in victory on the Throne of Grace! His work is finished, and so now we can rest in him. We can hold firmly to the confession of our faith. Jesus has fully opened the way to God for all who have faith in him.
What’s more, our High Priest understands us. He is not disconnected or distant. He knows you, and he knows what you are going through. He can fully sympathize with every single one of your weaknesses.
Of course Jesus never dealt with the bombardment of news and social media on a cell phone. But he did face never-ending distraction and overwhelming needs in the world around him. He never had teenagers who were disrespectful and disobedient. But he did have to deal with the faithless disciples (twelve of them)! He never had to manage traffic, car repairs, or corporate downsizing. But he did live in the same fallen world with broken relationships, sickness, financial strain, government corruption, and many temptations much worse than you or I will ever face.
He has been tempted in every way that we have been, but he never gave into sin. He always trusted the Father. He always obeyed. He always held his faith.
Because Jesus has been there himself – wherever you are – he can help you. He knows the way out, because he has been there himself.
The Word of God urges us to draw near to Christ with confidence. We can be bold and assured that Jesus wants to help us and can help us. He doesn’t sit on a throne of cruelty, or arrogance, or disinterest…he sits on a Throne of Grace! And when we draw near, Jesus is ready, willing, and able to give us mercy and grace to help us with any need.
No matter your sin, struggle, doubt, worry, or hardship, draw near to Christ with confidence. Come boldly to the Throne of Grace and find help in your time of need.
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” | James 4:8
0 Comments