Hebrews 4:14-16 "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. (15) For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin (16) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
There is so much to be said about these three verses. I will try to keep it
contained to the thoughts that relate to the subject of "rest" which
has been under consideration throughout this chapter. The other thoughts will
be covered under other passages in the book. Let us look at the application of
these verses.
The high priest, under the law, was appointed to go between the nation Israel
and God. He was the one who entered the Holy of Holies and offered the blood
sacrifice for the sins of the people. The writer of Hebrews reminds us we have
One Who goes between God and us to intervene and to intercede. He offered His
own blood as the perfect sacrifice to bring us to God in a personal
relationship as Heavenly Father and child. He is our Great High Priest.
That is to say, we need no other to stand between us and our Heavenly Father.
We go to the Father in Jesus' name acknowledging (professing) Jesus to be our
righteousness.
We saw back in chapter 2 that Jesus "took on himself the seed of
Abraham." He was made flesh and "suffered being tempted" which
brought Him to the place where "he is able to succour them that are
tempted." In Chapter 4, we read that Jesus was tempted in all points
like as we are. There is nothing that comes upon us with which Jesus has not
come face to face. Having experienced the suffering and trials, He is able to
identify with us in our struggles. Not only is He able to identify, He is able
to help us through each situation with His knowledge, wisdom, and experience.
As a result of this, we can "come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we
may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." We come
boldly, not because of anything good about ourselves; rather we come boldly
with the understanding that Jesus is able to hear us, empathize with us, and
direct us in each situation. We find mercy abundant. We find grace sufficient.
We find answers. We find direction. We find loving care being dispensed upon
us. Peter would state it in this manner: "Casting all your care upon Him
for He cares for you." Do not hesitate to take your every need to
the Lord in prayer. Jesus stated it in this manner: "Come unto me,
all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
(Matthew 11:28)