Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16
Boldly? How can I go before the throne of God boldly? I who am so often awkward even in small groups. There is that person deep within who is so afraid of rejection. Outwardly, I often portray a tower of strength; but, inwardly I always doubt myself. Living alone affords me a lot of time in self-reflection. There underneath the exterior when everything is naked and opened, I would shudder in fear were it not for Grace.
As I pointed out in the previous post, the writer of Hebrews has been giving some warnings. Earnestly take heed lest you slip away from the truth by not clinging to the truth of the Gospel, which is Jesus Christ. Be very afraid, that you might miss God’s rest because of a heart of unbelief. Diligently work and exhort each other; lest, someone of you fall short of knowing Jesus with all your heart. Then we read in Hebrews 4:12 and 13
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do”
God’s word pierces deep within my heart and sees every crevice. He knows every thought, every fear, every doubt, and every failure. He sees my heart, spirit and soul laid forth naked and opened before His eyes. How scary would that be were it not for Grace! So, quickly the writer follows with verses 14-16. “Don’t fall into despair, you have a high priest who sympathizes with you!! He knows your weaknesses, your failures, your doubts and He loves you.” Because Jesus Christ is my High Priest, I can boldly come to the throne of Grace—naked with all my blemishes showing. There at His Throne of Grace, I need never fear; because, I will obtain mercy and grace in the time of need!!
GRACE YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW
Grace covered my sins way back on Calvary, Grace drew me to Christ, Grace covers each and every moment of my day, and it is Grace that will keep me all the way to my final rest in Him. In Christ, I am to be fearless in proclaiming His Glory and declaring His Mercy. Boldly facing every unexpected storm of this life with Steadfast Joy in my heart. Doing that lays me open, vulnerable for the world around me to crush me; yet, I cannot do less. It is Grace that allows me to tell you my readers honestly of all my blunderings and failures, in hopes that you might see the magnificent Glory of God’s Grace. After all, God never gave up on me!! God will never turns His back in rejection of one of His children!! He is always pouring out grace and mercy as He continues His transforming work within your heart, piece by piece; as you focus on Christ.
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
PERSONAL EXAMPLE
Let me tell you a story that I hope helps to pull this all together. I am a part of a small group at church which I have loved. They are a very diligent group who want to serve God with all their hearts. I am the only one who is single in the group and I am the least affluent of the group, which I find as awkward sometimes. (I know that is my own feelings of inadequacy and not due to the group who have been warm and receiving). Every time we meet, I vow to stay silent through the meeting. Then, being such a passionate person; something triggers a fire in my brain and before I know it my mouth opens. Such a moment occurred at the last meeting. The guest speaker at church had spoken about his faith and while revealing his own story, several times he had referred to a recent outcome in his life as “being a bad day.” In the discussion, I said “I really wish I could meet with him so I could remind him of Hebrews 11:6. There really are no bad days because God is Sovereign and God rewards those who diligently seek Him. So, even if the day appears to be bad—it isn’t because of who God is.” Suddenly, I realized that was not received well, as someone replied; “there is evil in the world you know!” Then I remembered I had recently shared a prayer request with my small group that had revealed a vulnerability I struggled with. Feelings of fear and rejection suddenly filled my heart. When I volunteered to host the next meeting as it was my turn, instead it was postponed to a weekend when I wasn’t going to be present.
CONCLUSION
In this world, there will be moments in which we feel rejected by those around us; even when those feelings may not be based on reality. There are times when we will feel misunderstood even by those whom we think we can trust. Yet, there is one who will always hear your cries and will pour forth new mercies every morning—that is God. In Christ, we can rise above the unexpected storms and still find joy. [bctt tweet=”Be afraid of having a heart of unbelief! But be fearless in boldly approaching the throne of Grace” username=”effiedarlene”] In Christ, I am God’s chosen, redeemed, beloved child. Do you know Christ as Your Great High Priest?
The Song I chose for you today is I Look To the King
The photo is used courtesy of https://unsplash.com/@veroz The inscription I added.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.