FRIDAY FIVE: We find HOPE AND STRENGTH in his perfection

Hebrews 4:15 16, says, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16] Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (ESV)”

The role of the priest throughout the history of God’s people was to be a leader. The priest was expected to lead by example and played a vital role in the health of the believing community, the people, and the nation.  However, history shows us that all these priests were flawed. No matter how well they may have led God’s people, they would eventually fall victim to sin, disappoint God’s people, or fail in their duties as high priests.

God understood that even with all of man’s capabilities for good, our nature still bends toward our selfish lusts and desires.  This is why in his infinite wisdom, He purposed to give humanity the humblest high priest, who sympathetically declared victory over all sin and temptation.

Jesus has compassion for our weaknesses. Nobody understands our struggles better than Him. That sin you have been trying desperately to shake out of your life, he gets it. What makes Him distinct from all other priests and historical and religious leaders, is the fact that He was tempted in EVERY RESPECT yet did not sin. Jesus does not have the same experience with sin that we have, that is good news!! 

Nobody is better equipped than He is to help us overcome our sins. He is perfectly positioned to offer grace, and mercy to all sinners. No other person in human history has these credentials. His response when we sin is not, ‘you should know better; what were you thinking? Or I want nothing to do with you.’

No. He responds by calling you closer. He encourages you to take confidence in who He is, in His power, and to seek His forgiveness and strength to overcome every sin and temptation. And that is his desire, to see you walking in victory over sin and struggle in your life. We receive great confidence, knowing that Jesus has overcome all sin, therefore I can overcome THIS sin!! 

So, how do we rest in this truth and draw near to God? I have been married to my wife for almost 15 years. Our relationship has grown tremendously through hardships, loss, marital challenges, raising kids, and all that life brings our way. In any relationship, to get closer to someone you must listen to them, spend time with them, and learn who they are as a person.

Reading and studying God’s word, is our way of listening to Him, spending time with Him, and learning what brings Him joy and what grieves Him. When you are in a covenant relationship with someone, you learn that as the relationship grows, so do you.

What makes our relationship with Christ unique is the better we get to know Him through His word, the better we understand our creative purpose and who He has called us to be. God’s word says that we are His handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works. We are fearfully and wonderfully made by Him!! 

God’s word brings life to us! It challenges us in the deepest parts of who we are and forces us to take inventory of our thoughts and matters of the heart. This is good news!

So, lean in confidently to these truths:

• Christ is a high priest like no other

• He fully understands and sympathizes with every sin, temptation, and struggle we will ever face

• He has proven Himself victorious over EVERY sin

• And He longs to share with you the plans for victory in your life!

Grace and Peace,

Myron L Head

Hebrews 4:12–13

[12] For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. [13] And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (ESV)

Ephesians 2:10

[10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (ESV)

Psalm 139:13–14

            [13] For you formed my inward parts;

            you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.

            [14] I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

            Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. (ESV)