READING: Hebrews 1-4
“. . . but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.”
Hebrews 4:15
Jesus felt the full weight of temptation, yet He chose never to give in to sin’s lure. You and I surrender to temptations long before we experience their full weight, but not Jesus—He faced the battle in all its ferocity and remained victorious. In no way did He ever do anything other than please the Father. These truths mean that no matter what we face in temptation, we can run to Jesus knowing that He has already broken its power. He who defeated the devil on the Mt. of Temptation (Matt. 4) resides within us and enables us to live in victory.
Indeed, He invites us to “approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need” (Heb. 4:16). He is not a distant, uncaring, God; rather, He is a relational trinitarian God who welcomes us in our desperation and dependence. When we need Him, He is always right there.
I read these words, and I can’t help but wonder why sin so easily captures us. Our Redeemer has defeated the tempter. He grants us access to His throne. His mercy and grace await us there. Simply put, we’re on the winning side – so our battle losses ought to be few.
ACTION STEPS:
- Confess all your sin to God, knowing that nothing will catch Him by surprise. Hold nothing back.
- Thank Him for granting you mercy and grace.
PRAYER: “Father, I never want to struggle with unbelief in word or in actions. I come boldly to You, asking for Your moment-by-moment help.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Hebrews 5-8