DAY 2: THE AWESOME PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER
Read Hebrews 4:15-16.
The significance of this passage is so important that for several chapters to follow, the writer of Hebrews outlines the superiority of Christ over the priesthood of the Old Testament Law of Moses. Under the old priesthood, a man (a mere man) represented the people before God, offering gifts and sacrifices for sins. Approaching the throne of God in the Holy of Holies was not an option for anyone but the high priest. The people could only watch from a distance. While forgiveness was had through the process, something was missing. Where was the relationship with God? Where was the sympathy and help in times of need? How could that be found through a mediator – a mere man who could not relate to one’s struggles and pains?
That all changed with Jesus. No longer do we need to watch from a distance. No longer is approaching God an intellectual ritual. It is a relational one. There is now “grace to help us in our time of need.” There is a perfect Mediator who can “sympathize with our weaknesses” and temptations. And while He never sinned in the process, He still experienced the pain and temptation we all suffer.
Personal thoughts:
In many other religions a personal relationship with God is unheard of. Indeed, it is a privilege to be able to come to God with the confidence of knowing that he understands what I’m going through. It is comforting to know that He will give me grace in ways that He can relate to personally. It is not cold and calculated, but sympathetic and gracious.
To consider:
Is your relationship with God distant or close? Is coming to God more an intellectual ritual or a personal, relational encounter with Him? How often do you come to Him with your struggles? Take a moment and approach His throne with confidence, giving Him your cares that He might give you grace in your time of need.
