3rd August 2023

3rd August 2023


Pray (ACts)


Read Hebrews 4v14-16


Message Scott Woodburn


First posted 1st October 2022


Every young boy in the 1980’s knew that if you had a problem and no one else could help and if you could find them, then maybe you could hire the A-Team. I had many problems in the 1980’s but I never did manage to find the A-Team.


If only I’d paid more attention back then when I sat regularly in my local Gospel Hall. They knew what I refused to believe - that Jesus Christ was a Saviour and friend of sinners. As chapter four closes, the Apostle zeroes in on that exact truth. He describes Jesus as our “great high priest” and this description would immediately remind his original hearers of the Jewish high priest. He was a man who would enter behind the curtain into the holy of holies once a year.


Christ is the true priest. He has passed not through a curtain but through the heavens (v14). He has ascended to glory and even now makes intercession for us. He is the Son of God, true man and without any sin, therefore we are to hold fast our confession. We are to hold fast to what we have believed.


It’s not always easy to hold fast especially when life is giving us a hammering. We are called names, we are slandered, family life is a mess and we are fairly sure our marriage is falling apart. What is to be done in such circumstances? We are to draw near to the throne of grace (v16). That’s where Jesus is and He is ready, willing and able to help us in every way. 


Christ knows what it is to be human for he was tempted in every respect as we are (v15). That’s an extraordinary truth isn’t it? The Lord knew temptation. He understood the realities of the human condition and yet at no turn, not once, not for a single solitary second did He fall into sin (v15). Jesus sympathises with our weaknesses. He understands. He gets it. He knows and He is able to help.


As we hold this truth in our hands we are to cling tightly to it. We know that Christ is for His people and so we can with confidence draw near to His throne (v16). I suspect you wouldn’t barge into the throne room of King Charles III nor would you shove your way into 10 Downing Street. But the Christian has been given extraordinary access and privilege. Because we belong to Jesus we have every right to draw near to Him and when we do we will receive mercy and grace in our time of need (v16b).


How often do we forget things like this! How often do we find ourselves in trouble and we turn everywhere except heaven! My brothers and sisters, we have a great high priest who ever lives to help us. He doesn’t sleep. He doesn’t take breaks. He doesn’t have His phone set to silent. Christ offers help to His Bride. My friends if this day is too tough for you to face and you weep into your hands…then perhaps it is time for a new posture.


Look up and draw near.


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC
Q8 How doth God execute his decrees? God executeth his decrees in the works of creation and providence.
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