Daily Devotion, May 25, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Hebrews 4:14-16.

Rich with opportunities for much more research, these verses help us understand more of God’s grace. Verse 14 begins with this chapter’s fourth “Therefore”. The writer builds a most valid argument for why we can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence. It is because we have been given Jesus, the great High Priest, who has ascended into heaven, who is able to empathize with our weakness and was tempted in every way as we are, yet he did not sin. This all has to do with the covenantal relationship of God with humankind.

From the Old Testament (Old Covenant) writings, God chose Aaron, brother of Moses to be the first High Priest to oversee the tabernacle in the wilderness. When Aaron made sacrifices in the tabernacle, he acted as the representative of the people of Israel. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest entered the Holy of Holies to make amends for the people's sins. The offerings made were sufficient to cover sin, but their effect was only temporary.

In contrast, in the new covenant, Christ's death and resurrection brought completion for the sacrifices for sin. Christ's role as high priest is further explained in Hebrews 4:14 to 10:18. As the sinless Son of God, he is uniquely qualified to be mediator yet has compassion with human sin. Jesus became one of us and understands what we go through during life’s experiences. Because of his perfection, Jesus was the final, complete and victorious sacrifice for sin and the ideal, eternal high priest for all of humanity. Therefore, at God’s throne of grace, “we receive God’s mercy and can find grace to help us in our time of need.”

All of this is God’s gift, out of God’s love.

Personal Worship Option:

These verses quickly reminded me of the great hymn “And Can It Be?” by Charles Wesley. Written to celebrate his conversion during Pentecost which took place on May 21, 1738, the last stanza proclaims Charles Wesley’s experience of God’s grace.  Let this be our prayer and expression of deepest gratitude today. Amen.

“Bold I approach the eternal throne

And claim the crown, through Christ my own

Amazing love! How can it be

That Thou my God, should die for me?

Amazing love! How can it be

That Thou my God, should die for me?”