February 19 I know what you mean!

Hebrews 4:15-16 (NKJV)
15 For 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. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Have you ever been willing to lay down your life to save others? Have you ever been mocked or ridiculed for standing up for the truth? Is there anything you are now going through which He has not already experienced? How have you behaved in the toughest times of your life? Did you always show compassion, integrity and virtue? Jesus did! He endured humiliation and a brutal death just to secure your future life.

Jesus was tempted in every way that you are tempted. He has suffered every form of abuse. He doesn’t have sympathy for you; He has empathy. He understands what it is like to face all these things personally. The Son of Man has been there. He knows what you mean.

In the Old Testament, the High Priest was the only person who could enter the Holy of Holies, which contained the Ark of the Covenant, to offer sacrifices for himself and for the people to atone for our sins. The sacrifice was the shedding of an animal’s blood in place of the death sentence on us for our wrongdoings. Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sin (Hebrews 9:22). Something had to die! For the wages of sin is death. So the Perfect Lamb of God offered himself in your place. Let that sink it just a bit. He gave Himself up for you! Now that is a friend!

Sounds pretty heavy so far doesn’t it? So what’s the encouraging part? Jesus opened a way for us to draw closer to God. He made a path through which we could return to fellowship with the Creator. He drew us back to Himself. How? At the moment of his death, there was a violent earthquake. It was so violent that it tore the Temple Curtain from top to bottom opening a way for us to enter the Holy of Holies. This curtain was described as “the thickness of a man’s palm” which could be 3-4 inches. What could tear that? What is important is that it restored our path to return to God! God always wanted to be in fellowship with us. He walked with us in the Garden, didn’t He? We sinned and were separated from Him. We left Him, He didn’t leave us. He was always planning our return. And, at just the right time in history, Jesus entered our world and sacrificed Himself to open the door for our return. You now can draw near to God. Grace and mercy have been offered. Will you accept His gift?

Thank You Lord Jesus for the precious gift of grace through faith. Remind us that your gift is for all people who turn to You. It is greater than we can ask or imagine and more than we deserve. Let us receive this grace with thanksgiving and praise. In Your name we pray!

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