Hebrews 4:14-16 Elder’s Corner

This week in my devotions, I read Hebrews 4.  Let me share a couple of verses from that chapter:

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  (15)  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.  (16)  Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

This is another of those amazingly encouraging passages.  We often feel alone in our walk with Christ, even more so now that we are in this pandemic, and it is harder to stay on the straight and narrow.  Let me tell you that through the power of the HS you can continue on the right path in your walk with Jesus.  This passage tells us that we are not alone, we don’t face temptation, and Jesus can’t sympathize with us.  This is an encouragement to, like the passage says, draw near to God’s throne of grace.  He gives grace to His children to walk through temptation and escape.

Oswald Chambers, in his book, “My Utmost for His Highest” says this about temptation:

“Satan does not tempt us just to make us do wrong things – he tempts us to make us lose what God has put into us, namely, the possibility of being of value to God.”

Jesus was tempted and did not sin.  Through salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit we are freed from the power of sin.    He gives us the power to walk in holiness.  If you are struggling with sin, repent and return to the throne of grace.  Hold onto the confession of your faith, and remember that the rewards given by Jesus are far better than anything that Satan will tempt you with!