This past Thursday found us once again in the book of Hebrews, and in the verses that we read Jesus has been identified for the second time as the "Great High Priest", thus completing the setting of the stage for this upcoming Thursday's sermon.
In the first two verses this week we see the 'Word of God' as piercing (as a sword), exposing our true nature, and judging us. All of us sin, and for all of us there will be a reckoning for that sin... some of us (sad to say) have a whole lot of reckoning coming... BUT, all without exception have fallen short, and all will be judged on that fate-filled day when we stand before the throne of God. These first two verses are fright-filled... and we are left at this juncture with a sense of impending dread.
But, the verses from 14-16 turn the mood of these verses upon its head. Here we learn of Christ's sympathy for us, His intercession for us in our confession to the Almighty. Through Christ, we are assured of grace, mercy, and reconciliation with God. We are told that we can approach the Judgement Seat not filled with dread, but that we may approach filled with confidence that our sins have been washed away entirely... Praise be to God!
Be a blessing to someone today!
In Christ's Grace & Glory,
Roy
Hebrews 4:12-16 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
12 Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.
14 Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested[a] as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Footnotes:
a) Hebrews 4:15 Or tempted
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