Grace (2)

"Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15For 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.  16Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."    Hebrews 4:14-16   NKJV

Today, let's look at another area of grace - 'Mercy.' The Greek word for Mercy is Eleos which means an outward demonstration of pity and a sympathy that expresses itself in helping a person in need, instead of just walking by. Eleos is often used with the Greek word Charis. A similar idea is expressed by the Hebrew word Chesed often known as Hesed. This means lovingkindness and goodness. This demonstrates the loyal love that God freely showed the Israelites. The ultimate expression of God's mercy is His voluntary offering of His Son, Jesus, for our sins, even though there was a time that we never knew Him or bothered with Him.

Therefore, He now encourages us to approach His Throne of Grace. 

Jesus has passed through the heavens and has first-hand knowledge of life. He knows it can be an endurance at times. He endured it all. He was tempted in every way possible - anything that you can think of and yet, He never fell to the temptation; He never sinned. So therefore, He knows how it all feels; He knows what we have to put up with and the struggles we have from time to time, and He sympathises with us. He knows how difficult it can be. So therefore, in verse 16 He invites us to 'Come' to His Throne of Grace. In fact, if you check out Hebrews 10:22,  the word 'come' means to 'Draw near.' We have His permission to do this. He is the great High Priest. In earlier days, the only person who could enter into the Most Holy of Holies, was the high priest. But, our High Priest, Jesus, tells us to come - to draw near and 'boldly'. The word Boldly means to be fearless; have courage and confidence and this is what Jesus says we should do, come boldly, with courage, confidence and fearlessness to His Throne of Grace.

How does this make you feel? How do you feel about coming boldly to Jesus' throne so that you can obtain the part of grace that offers mercy. He offers you mercy and grace as you go to Him. You may have blown it big time - we all do every now and again. The thing is, Jesus knows all about this. He was tempted to be angry and speak aggressive words. He was tempted to have fantasies about sex. He was tempted to steal, kill, destroy people's lives. He was tempted to gossip, judge, stab people in the back and He was tempted by the devil when He was in the wilderness. And yet, He never sinned. He never fell to the temptation. He used His Father's Words - The Word of God to combat every type of sin and temptation that came His way.

This is why, you can rely on Jesus. This is why you can trust Him because He knows how it feels, He's been there but refused to sin. This is why you have an open door to approach His throne so that He can offer you grace and mercy and bless you.

Do you need to approach the Throne of Grace?

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

Lord Jesus, I have sinned   

I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

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