READING: Jeremiah 40-42, Hebrews 4
“Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness.”
Hebrews 4:16
He grew tired. He became hungry. He faced opposition, even as a child. He prayed to the Father. He wept over people. He loved them even when He was righteously frustrated with them. He taught students who didn’t always listen. He wrestled with the will of the Father. He—that is, Jesus—walked in our shoes as He took on flesh.
And, the writer of Hebrews tells us, He was “One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15). Jesus Christ, the Son of God, faced and defeated temptations in every area of life like we do, but without sin. Even with all the theological debates about Jesus and temptation surrounding this text, we know this truth: what we face in temptation is not unexpected or unknown to Jesus. He has felt the attack of the enemy, but without losing the battle. We can approach His “throne of grace with boldness” (Heb. 4:16), knowing He offers us grace and mercy in our time of great need. Indeed, He wants us to come to Him in temptation and trial.
Too often, though, many of us get impatient with His silence in trial, and we turn to Him only after failing in temptation. In so doing, we come to Him late, and our only proper prayer is, “Lord, forgive me again.” Our wiser response in temptation is to run to His throne, approach Him confidently, and seek His grace to deliver us from the evil one. He can do that, because He’s felt the brunt of temptation and defeated the enemy.
And, if He encourages us to come to Him boldly, why would we not do that?
ACTION STEPS:
- Approach God with confidence today. He wants you to come to Him.
- Come to Him boldly on behalf of someone who is losing the battle with temptation. Intercede with confidence.
PRAYER: “Lord, I come to You boldly. Grant me victory through Your grace.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Jeremiah 43-45, Hebrews 5