November 13, 2022 IN TIME OF NEED
Hebrews 4:14-16 “Since 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. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.”
We are complete in Christ and we have been made new creations; yet we are not exempt from trials and we are still ‘flesh and bone.’ That may sound contradictory, but it is not. Peter Parris says that “The scriptures contradict themselves, but only in our mind.” Yes, we are spiritual beings who have been joined to God, but there are times when we are needy and times when our weaknesses become apparent. Weaknesses could include our yielding to sin, or becoming anxious or fearful, or any number of things. In such times, we have the blessings of being able to draw near with confidence to the throne of grace-to Jesus, our high priest, who sits on the throne. Our high priest has experienced life in flesh and bone and life in the world; He understands life on earth. The comforting truth is that He can sympathize with our weaknesses because He has been where we are. Jesus faced every temptation we face, yet He never sinned. He does not chide or rebuke us in our weaknesses, but invites us to come and find mercy and grace to help in time of need. The call for us is to draw near the throne of grace; we may be tempted in times of need to go it alone, or to try to escape or deny that we are in need, or may seek help from the wrong source. Also, our pride can stand in the way of us admitting we need help. To draw near means we simply acknowledge our need, and our weakness at the moment, to God, and then receive from Him grace and mercy. We all have, or will face times of need and our weaknesses will become evident; in such times, let us run to the throne of grace and find mercy and grace to help from our high Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses. Do not misunderstand, He does not only sympathize with our weakness, but He comes to our aid and extends mercy and grace; and from other scriptures we find that He also gives encouragement, and when we need it, He corrects us. He is all sufficient.
Psalm 68:6, 55:22 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved.”
1 Peter 5:6-7 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”
Blessings,
Buddy
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