Read Hebrews 4:14-5:10 (& 2:16-18)
“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence…” 4:16a
Some Thoughts…
As I meditate on the priesthood of Jesus, I find comfort. I find a place to rest my questions of God’s apparent silence in my prayers. I find in this passage one of the main things that makes Jesus’ exaltation so great … His suffering. Chapter 5:7-8 gives an overview of His earthly walk and unwavering obedience. His suffering was the proof of the pudding: “He learned obedience from what he suffered.” He prayed in the garden with tears and sweat that fell like of blood streaming down His face, but was met with only silence … so He submitted and found the strength to endure God’s purpose for all humanity and history. He saw the brokenness, pain and death of a corrupt and fallen world. He did what He could to feed some, heal some, even raise some from the dead, yet He realized that we “would always have the poor with us” – so even in His ability to do something, he knew the world would continue in its lost-ness; so, he submitted and stayed on the course of obedience.
Therefore, I know this to be true, it is not the answers to my prayers that give me confidence, it is the audience; a God who welcomes me into His Holy presence and a Savior who empathizes and intercedes with patience for me. So, I will hold firmly to the faith I profess (v1).
A Prayer…
Father, today your will be done not mine, Your Kingdom come … I submit to you. Amen.
Thank you for posting this, Rick. I woke up this morning so discouraged, but when I approached God’s mercy seat with confidence, He once more became the lifter of my head.
He IS our confidence, our strength, and our salvation.
I’m glad to know this post was helpful….