Category: The Helper

Hebrews 4:15-16 NIV
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. 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.

“The upshot of all these benefits – God’s wrath being propitiated, our sins being buried in the depths of the sea, having an eternal salvation, and having an anchor for the soul  is – that today, this very day, Jesus is alive with all authority over the earth. He is our advocate, our intercessor. He is sympathetic and gentle. He has opened the way for you and me to approach God’s throne confidently as a throne of grace.

And from there we receive all the help we need in every situation, even in our suffering, so that even there we can rejoice. We can be like those crazy, wonderful Christians in chapter 10: ‘You had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one’ (Hebrews 10:34). They were anchored in heaven because of the work of their superior priest.

So, preach to yourself: ‘I have a priest who lives forever and saves to the uttermost.’” (John Piper, www.desiringgod.org)

Prayer: God, what joy awaits us and fills our hearts even now as we look to Christ who lived, died and was raised to life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Let’s sing “He Will Keep You” by Sovereign Grace Music (click here).

– CHH

 

 

 

Hebrews 6:18-20 NIV
Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. ¹⁹ This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. ²⁰ Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest…

“The unique achievement of Jesus in his death, resurrection and ascension on our behalf is coupled with the notion that he has gone ahead to open the way to heavenly glory for others to follow him. This hope, which is an anchor for the soul, enables us to ‘approach God’s throne of grace with confidence’ in the present, to endure suffering and persecution with the confidence of ‘better and lasting possessions,’ and to be certain that in coming to Jesus in the heavenly realm ‘we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken.’ Immediate access to God through the glorified Lord Jesus is the means of persevering with faith and patience and ultimately experiencing the full reality of life in God’s presence.” (David G. Peterson, Hebrews: An Introduction and Commentary)

As Christ’s people, our anchor is not sunk to the bottom of the ocean; instead, it is cast upward into heaven, where Jesus has gone before us and sits at the Father’s right hand. And he will not let us go.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, thank you for opening a new and living way for us to draw near anytime. May we live with this firm and steady hope that you will be faithful to your promise of eternal life here in the present. In Jesus’ name, amen.

May the reality of this hope strengthen us as we sing “How Great Thou Art (Until That Day)” by Matt Redman (click here).

– CHH

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let’s read aloud the following scripture and confession to our faith:

Hebrews 2:17-18 NIV
¹⁷ For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. ¹⁸ Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Heidelberg Catechism – Lord’s Day 6, Q.16-18
Q. Why must he be a true and righteous man?
A. He must be a true man because the justice of God requires that the same human nature which has sinned should pay for sin. He must be a righteous man because one who himself is a sinner cannot pay for others.

Q. Why must he at the same time be true God?
A. He must be true God so that by the power of his divine nature he might bear in his human nature the burden of God’s wrath, and might obtain for us and restore to us righteousness and life.

Q. But who is that Mediator who at the same time is true God and a true and righteous man?
A. Our Lord Jesus Christ, who has become for us wisdom from God – that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption (1 Cor 1:30).

Prayer: God, we marvel at this truth. We thank you for opening our eyes to the wonder and wisdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Renew our trust and hope in your redeeming work for our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Let’s sing aloud to the Lord with the song “Let Me See Jesus” by Matt Redman (click here).

– CHH

 

1 John 2:2, 10 NIV
He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world… Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble.

T. Wright describes the cleansing power of Christ’s sacrifice this way: Jesus’ sacrificial death is available for all who “live in the light.” It does not mean that we must first get our lives together before God can receive us. Rather, it means turning toward the light – being honest about what has gone wrong, refusing to hide it, and choosing to walk in God’s ways. When we do, Jesus’ blood makes us clean, fresh, and new. The guilt and shame that cling to us are dealt with – “the nasty stain, the residual dirtiness, the scratchy, ugly feeling that something went badly wrong” – not because we have made ourselves right, but because of what Jesus has done for us. (Adapted from Early Christian Letters for Everyone: James, Peter, John, and Judah)

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your precious blood that was shed to wash me clean. On the cross, you paid my debt and can lift off the burden of my guilt and shame. May I live in the fullness of your forgiveness and walk in your light today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Let’s proclaim over ourselves and the places where God invites us to experience his joyful heart with “Your Cross Changes Everything” by Passion (click here).

– CHH

1 John 2:1 NIV
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father – Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.

Hebrews 7:25 NIV
Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

Jesus is described as our advocate – someone who speaks or pleads on behalf of another. As our heavenly high priest, Jesus sustains and helps those who come to God through him. We can draw near to God with confidence because Jesus always lives to intercede for us. His role is unique because he himself is the sacrifice for our sins. The very presence of the crucified and glorified Jesus with the Father is the basis for his ongoing intercession. His salvation is truly complete. Because he lives forever with the Father, he faithfully helps us to draw near even when we have made mistakes.

Prayer: Jesus, thank you that you are our Advocate and Great High Priest, always interceding for us before the Father. Because you gave yourself for us, we can draw near with confidence, trusting in your mercy. Help us to receive your love. We ask for more of your righteousness in our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Let’s worship to the song “He’s The One” by Bethel Music (click here).

– CHH