"Confident Living" by Billy HuddlestonHebrews 4:14 Therefore, since we have a great cohen gadol who has passed through to the highest heaven, Yeshua, the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we acknowledge as true. 15 For we do not have a cohen gadol unable to empathize with our weaknesses; since in every respect he was tempted just as we are, the only difference being that he did not sin. 16 Therefore, let us confidently approach the throne from which God gives grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace in our time of need.—5:1 For every cohen gadol taken from among men is appointed to act on people’s behalf with regard to things concerning God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He can deal gently with the ignorant and with those who go astray, since he too is subject to weakness. 3 Also, because of this weakness, he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as those of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor upon himself, rather, he is called by God, just as Aharon was.
5 So neither did the Messiah glorify himself to become cohen gadol; rather, it was the One who said to him,
“You are my Son;
today I have become your Father.”[Hebrews 5:5 Psalm 2:7]
6 Also, as he says in another place,
“You are a cohen forever,
to be compared with Malki-Tzedek.”[Hebrews 5:6 Psalm 110:4]
7 During Yeshua’s life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions, crying aloud and shedding tears, to the One who had the power to deliver him from death; and he was heard because of his godliness. 8 Even though he was the Son, he learned obedience through his sufferings. 9 And after he had been brought to the goal, he became the source of eternal deliverance to all who obey him, 10 since he had been proclaimed by God as a cohen gadol to be compared with Malki-Tzedek.
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The writer of Hebrews was concerned about a church persecuted from every side. Prompted by the Holy Spirit, he wrote this sermon to the Hebrew church. He desired to encourage them to stay the course–to not turn back! Why? Because Jesus is enough! He is everything, all they needed.
How did the author encourage these people to stand? Where would they find the boldness to live this new life in a hostile world? He had to find a way to build their confidence. So, he reminded them of what had been accomplished in God’s Son.Jesus fulfilled the role of the Old Testament prophet–when the Word became flesh, He spoke the final word. Having fulfilled the role of the prophet, He stepped into the role of the priest. However, this Priest offered himself, and with His sacrifice, the veil was torn and an invitation given for all to come. Because of what He has done, through His mercy and grace, we are invited to approach the throne. At the foot of this throne, we learn that the King is our elder brother!
Let’s live in that confidence!
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Hymn for Today: "Hallelujah! What a Savior!" by Philip P. Bliss
1. “Man of Sorrows!” what a name
For the Son of God, who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
2. Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
3. Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
“Full atonement!” can it be?
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
4. Lifted up was He to die;
“It is finished!” was His cry;
Now in Heav’n exalted high.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
5. When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew His song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
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Thought for Today For God is one;[1 Timothy 2:5 Deuteronomy 6:4] and there is but one Mediator between God and humanity, Yeshua the Messiah, himself human, who gave himself as a ransom on behalf of all, thus providing testimony to God’s purpose at just the right time.(1 Timothy 2:5-6a).
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Please pray: For the development of Christian leaders in Poland.
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Please pray: For the development of Christian leaders in Poland.
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