“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16
I blew it. I’m an idiot. I’m so ashamed of what I’ve done. No one will ever understand or forgive me.
These are the thoughts that plague us all at one time or another. We make stupid mistakes and we choose sinful ways. Then the shame overtakes us; we want to hide. Satan loves to make the most of those moments. He convinces us with his lies that we are alone, and we don’t deserve forgiveness.
The writer of Hebrews tells us something far different though. He tells us the truth. We have personal representation in Heaven, a Supreme Advocate who stands before God on our behalf. We could never stand before God based on our own merits. Romans 3 reminds us that there is nothing good in us at all. Our natural tendency is to practice sin. But praise God, because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we can come before the throne of grace and seek mercy. Even as we stand in need, undeserving, wearing the guilt and shame of our sin, we are not alone. His love compels us to seek forgiveness and to have our fellowship with God be restored.
How wonderful to know that not only is He the help we need, but He fully understands the temptations we experience. He has felt what we feel. He sees our inabilities, sins, and failures yet chooses not to hold them against us. He knows our fallen state and still pursues intimacy with us. How amazing is His love for us! How amazing is this love that takes our unrighteousness and lovingly and skillfully molds us into the righteousness of God. Our Advocate–Jesus Christ–sympathizes with all our weaknesses because He passed the test of death, Hell, and the grave. Let us come into His presence uninhibited and receive both mercy and grace to help us in our time of need! Come quickly!
Our Savior kneels down and gazes upon the darkest acts of our lives. But rather than recoil in horror, he reaches out in kindness and says, ‘I can clean that if you want.’ And from the basin of his grace, he scoops a palm full of mercy and washes our sin. Max Lucado
Gracious God, my Father, how I need Your grace and mercy every moment of my life. I know that there is nothing good in me apart from Your Son, Jesus. Please keep my mind on You and not the sins You have forgiven. Help me to be quick to confess and seek Your forgiveness so that I can serve You in spirit and in truth. May my life be a testimony of Your grace and mercy that lifts the name of Jesus high so that others may come to You as well. In His name I pray, Amen.
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