Bridging the GAP

Scripture:

Hebrews 4:14-15 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. (15) For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.

Observation:

Jesus is like us because he experienced a full range of temptations throughout his life as a human being. We can be comforted knowing that Jesus faced temptation—he can sympathize with us. We can be encouraged knowing that Jesus faced temptation without giving in to sin. He shows us that we do not have to sin when facing the seductive lure of temptation. Jesus is the only perfect human being who has ever lived.

Application:

Hebrews 4:14-16 introduces us to a truth that can transform our prayer lives. It focuses on the person and work of Christ, our great High Priest who helps us in our prayers. "We have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God." Notice: Jesus is our "go-between."

Dr. Tony Evans writes: "The most important fact about our great High Priest is His identity: Jesus, the Son of God, indicating both His humanity as Jesus and His deity as God's Son. He's unique in both time and eternity because He is the God-man. As man He can feel the way we feel. And as God He can fix what makes us feel that way."

When Job the patriarch was being accused by his friends and trying to defend himself, he said, "For [God] is not a man as I am that I may answer Him, that we may go to court together. There is no umpire between us, who may lay his hand upon us both" (Job 9:32-33). Job was looking for somebody who could take God's hand and identify with Him, then bring the two of them together. Job felt that God was beyond his reach.

But we don't have to feel that way! Why? Because Jesus bridged the gap between God and man. He can understand what we are going through when we cry out to Him, and He has the power to act on our behalf. Knowing that gives us the confidence we need to come to Him at any time, with anything that concerns us.

Prayer:

"Jesus, I thank You for being my 'go-between.' You give me access before the very throne room of God. You understand what I am going through, you sympathize with my weaknesses. Today, the Holy Spirit has brought that truth back to my memory, and I will meditate on it throughout this day. In Jesus' name, amen!"