Saturday 17 January 2009
- Bible Book:
- Hebrews
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (v.15-16)
Background
In the face of persecution, the Hebrew community of Christians -the recipients of this letter - are struggling to stayfaithful.
There are three possible meanings to the "word of God":
- the incarnate word - Jesus (who was made flesh on earth)
- the written words of Scripture
- the spoken word through preaching.
The writer suggests that hearing God's word can penetrateour depths, lay bare our true motivations, and bring us to somesense of account.
Recognising the inadequacies of our actions and attitudes cancome like a sort of judgement and give us energy to move in a newand better direction. Jesus' teaching very often used stories andsurprising images to make people think and to question their socialand religious assumptions. Pondering Jesus' word could change livesand still does!
Our confidence in our ability to change for the better restsin the fact that the high priest, who atones for our shortcomings,also understands first-hand the temptations we have to deal with ashumans. Jesus was tempted in every respect as we have been, but hechose the good way - the kingdom way. Once a year, on the Day ofAtonement, the Jewish high priest sacrificed an animal to atone forthe general failings and shortcomings of the people.
Knowing that God has deeply experienced our 'humanness' givesus confidence to ask for grace and help in our time ofneed.
To Ponder
Have you ever had an experience of being stoppedin your tracks by the 'word of God'? How did it affect you?
What motivates you to change?
To what extent does the story of God sharing ourhuman life give you confidence that God understands yoursituation?