September 27: Come Boldly

Scripture
So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
—Hebrews 4:14–16 (NLT)

The writer of Hebrews gives us this incredible encouragement: because of Jesus, we have a “great High Priest” who has entered heaven on our behalf. Unlike the priests of the Old Covenant, Jesus is both fully God and yet, as we see, fully and compassionately human. He is the perfect bridge between us and the Father.

This High Priest of ours isn’t distant or detached from our reality. He willingly entered our world, taking on all its limitations. He knows what it feels like to be exhausted, to grieve, and to face temptation. The text says He “faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.” This means He doesn’t just feel sorry for us from afar; He truly and deeply understands our weaknesses firsthand.

And because He understands, our response to failure can be radically different. We don’t have to shrink back in shame. Instead, we are given an amazing invitation: “let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.” Notice it’s a throne of grace, not a throne of judgment. Charles Spurgeon once preached, “Oh, what a mercy it is that it is not a throne of justice, nor to a throne of law, but a throne of grace!”¹ At this throne, we don’t find condemnation; we find mercy and “grace to help us when we need it most.”

What an incredible invitation. Our God is not distant or cold, but a gracious Father who beckons us to come near. So today, whatever you’re carrying—sin, struggle, weariness, or doubt—don’t stay away in fear. Run boldly to the throne of grace. There you will find the fresh mercy and timely help that your great High Priest, Jesus, has secured for you.

Reflection
1. How does knowing that Jesus was tempted in every way you are, yet without sin, change the way you view Him as your High Priest?

2. What fear or shame most often keeps you from coming “boldly” to God’s throne when you fail or struggle?

3. How can you practically “run toward God” instead of away from Him the next time you are in need of mercy and grace?

Prayer
Thank the Lord for being a High Priest who truly understands your weaknesses. Ask Him for the courage to run to His throne of grace when you struggle and for the strength to walk closely with Him today.

Footnote
¹ C.H. Spurgeon, from Sermon #490, “The Throne of Grace.”