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
Have you ever stood naked in front of a crowd? I have not either, but one time I felt that way. I was standing in front of a group of about a hundred, presenting on some topic I have since forgotten. Somewhere during the presentation, a note was handed to me. I figured it was a question for the Q and A which was coming later. Yet, because the note had only a few words printed on it, I quickly scanned it immediately. It read, “Your fly is open.” In front of a giggling crowd, I zipped up my trousers and tried to regain some semblance of composure.
Scripture tells us that nothing is hidden before the eyes of God. We are all naked and exposed, and to him we must give account. I thank God that in Christ Jesus we have a high priest who has clothed us in an unconditional love that will take us into eternity.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord Jesus for seeing us as we are, and loving us without conditions. Amen.