Hebrews 4:12-16 (NRSV)
Read Hebrews 4:12-16 on biblegateway.com
Verse 12Indeed, 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. Verse 13And 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. Verse 14Since, 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. Verse 15For 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 as we are, yet without sin. Verse 16Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Devotion
The high priest of the old covenant passed through the veil separating the holy place from the holy of holies once each year as he made atonement before God for the sins of the people. As Christ died on the cross, we are told the veil was torn into two pieces. This gave accessibility to all through Christ, the high priest and Son of God. This identification combines in a remarkable way our ordinary lives as human beings with the extraordinary calling into the priesthood of believers.
Frank Lloyd Wright, the noted architect, recalled how he was awakened one night by a frantic telephone call from a client whose house had recently been completed. It seems it had been raining and the roof leaked. “What should I do?” asked the distraught client. Calmly Wright replied, “Rise above it.”
That is what faith in Christ allows us to do. It allows us to rise above our failures, disappointments, fears, grief and pain through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.
Prayer
Lord, we thank you for Jesus Christ who can sympathize with our weaknesses, who has been tested as we are tested, yet is without sin. We thank you that through Christ we find grace and mercy. Amen.