Hebrews__4
Scripture - What stood out?
Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
Observation - What does it say?
Chapter four of the book of Hebrews is the continuation and conclusion of chapter three. The author continues the train of thought centered around “entering God’s rest.”
Understanding - What does it mean?
Does not the thought of entering God’s rest sound amazing? If you picture God kinda sorta the way I do (as a perfect loving Being) by default the resting place of such a Being naturally makes me yearn to be there with Him. I probably could write a very long journal about chapters three and four, but I will spare you! Essentially, the author urges us to seek to enter God’s rest.
I spend a lot of time dwelling on two things: that God is amazing and that I am not. One of my greatest struggles as I walk with God is to reconcile those two beliefs. I think it is easy for me to dismiss the above verse because I have heard much about how Jesus never sinned. But God reminds me, he is able to empathize with me. He was tempted in every way. Just like I am. Just like we all are.
In verse 14 Jesus is named as our high priest in heaven. And in verse 16 we are encouraged to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
And this is the implication - Jesus loves me.
Jesus loves you.
Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?
As our high priest in heaven, Jesus has gone before God and he is lobbying on all of our behalves. As I remind myself of this, my prayer for myself is for the ability to approach Your throne of grace with confidence. Jesus has gone before me. So I am just following His lead.
Grant me confidence Lord, so that I am able to approach You. So that I may be able to encourage others to do the same. And one day, may we all be able - to enter into Your rest.
In the name of Jesus, amen.
-kenneth lee
Psalm 47
Scripture
Psalms 47:7
“For God is the King over all the earth. Praise him with a psalm.”
Psalm 46
Scripture
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble....God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.....The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress....He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46:1, 5, 7, 10-11 NIV
Observation-What does it say?
Most of the Psalms were written by King David, but there are different scholarly ideas about who wrote this one, Psalm 46. Regardless of the author, this Psalmist recognizes where his hope lies and wrote this song to encourage his audience to do the same. He describes His relationship with the Lord as one of refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble, as the One who keeps him standing firm, not able to fall. God is always with him/us and He is where we find true rest.
Understanding- What does it mean?
A wise man (or woman) builds his house upon the rock.
When our foundation is built on Jesus Christ, we will stand firm even through life’s ups and downs.
““Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.” Luke 6:46-48 NIV
Life Application
“...and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ.” 1 Corinthians 10:4 NIV
-Michelle Gaddi