“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
We have said that “our” story is unique to each of us. It is part of the greater “One” story but our individual tale is specific to us…tailored to what we were created to be. Jesus, and His work on the cross is that which unites all of our stories together. But, let us be sure to be reminded today that Jesus knows your story and wants to be a part of your story. In fact, Jesus wants to finish what He started when He created you…when He began to write your story.
For these reasons, the writer of the Book of Hebrews takes us back to the work of Jesus on the cross. These verses today remind us that we have an “advocate”…a “High Priest”…who stands in the gap for us. He has forgiven us of our sins and made it possible for us to be reunited with our loving Father and Creator…the Author and Finisher of our story. On our own we cannot stand before a holy God, but Jesus intercedes for us. He makes it possible for us to bring our story to the throne of God and receive His mercy and Grace…to get our story back on track. “How can He do that?” “Why would He forgive me?” “How does He know what I am going through?” “He doesn’t know me…He cannot relate to me.”
First, we know that by the cross of Jesus He has forgiven our sin and removed that barrier from between us. Paul said in Colossians,
“And you, who were dead in your trespasses…, God made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This He set aside, nailing it to the cross.” – Colossians 2:13, 14
Yes, our sinful state keeps us from coming into the presence of a holy God, our Father. We stand condemned as a result, but Jesus has “canceled” even the record of that debt! What? Yep, even the record of it. It has been removed “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12). We are set free (Galatians) and given life through the loving sacrifice of Jesus!
Secondly, we read in today’s verses that Jesus also relates to our daily struggles. His act on the cross was a one time event to forgive sin, but it was also a testimony to us that Jesus knows our pain. He is not a Savior or “Priest” that doesn’t know how we feel. He is a loving Father who can say, “Been there. Done that.” He was tempted but made it through without sin. He knows what you are going through today! He knows what its like to struggle with loneliness, grief, anger, and doubt. You have a Redeemer who knows exactly what you need…go to Him for the comfort and strength that He is ready to give you. He died so that you could come. The One who cried out in agony on the cross died so that you could come today and experience His mercy and grace.
These verses also tell us that we should come with “confidence” into His presence. We do not need to be afraid that God will, for some reason, cast us out. You will not be stopped at the door and asked for your ID. You don’t have to go through a background check. Thanks to the cross there is now NO reason that you cannot come into His presence.
So, what holds you back today? Why are you so afraid to come in and just let the love of Jesus flow over you. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done or how far away you have wandered…today…today, you can come “confidently” into His presence thanks to the cross of Jesus.
Come today and let Jesus continue to write your story.