Hebrews 4
April 18, 2022
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (v15-16)
Jesus is not only the spotless Lamb, who takes away our sins, so we can enter into the next life. He is our Priest who invites us to approach Him for the help we need in this life. And because He was “tempted…just as we are” (v15) - we know that He understands and “empathizes” with the challenges that we’re facing.
Lord Jesus, I praise You for not only being a Priest who atoned for past sin, but who is available to help in my present situations. Forgive me for not taking full advantage of the incredible invitation to approach You for “help” (v16) whenever I need it. Today, I surrender my pride and I come before You - asking for and anticipating Your help:
To love my wife as You love the Church (Eph 5:25)
To train my son in You (Eph 6:1)
To shepherd the flock You’ve entrusted to my care (1 Pet 5:2)
To preach the Word (2 Tim 4:2)
To resist the spirit of self-sufficiency that dupes me into thinking that I can take care of whatever challenges I’m facing - in my own strength (Rev 3:17)
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
