Hebrews 4:14-5:10
Be Still: Jesus, open my eyes to see you rightly today. As I spend time in your word, would you transform my heart and mind. Come and have your way. Amen
Read: Hebrews 4:14-5:10
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (v15-16)
Encounter: How often do our feelings of inadequacy keep us from connection? So afraid that if others look too closely, they might catch a glimpse of the flailing legs under the calm surface – our character flaws, insecurities and inabilities. The narrative swirls around ‘If they saw the real me, they wouldn’t want to stay close.’ And so we can fall into the temptation to keep ourselves hidden, not daring to reveal too much of ourselves. How much more can that lie fester when it comes to our relationship with God? The all-perfect One.
And yet here we read the truth of the matter - ‘we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathise with our weakness’. Our God is not absent from mess or weakness, but in fact is well acquainted with it. He’s spent time in it. He understands it. He understands us. He doesn’t look at us from his throne casting shame or disappointment, but steps down into our inadequacy and becomes familiar with it.
Therefore, the invitation is this: to throw off every niggling temptation to hide away; to disregard the voice that says you can’t come close, and instead to boldly approach him. To enter his presence with confidence today, knowing that he knows exactly who you are, and all that you’ve done. And delights in you anyway.
Apply: Take a moment to ask yourself these questions -
Where am I tempted to hide from God today? Is there anything I don’t want him to see? Is there any shame leading me to avoid his presence?
Bring these things into his light, in the knowledge that he understands and loves you anyway. Ask him to pour out his fresh mercy and grace.
Devote: Lord, thank you that you know my weakness. And so, despite my failings, I choose to approach you with confidence today, trusting that you have forgiveness in abundance. Instead of hiding, I choose intimacy with you. Please pour out your mercy on me now.
