Crucified to Make You Confident
When my brother, Matthias, played little league baseball, he used to be so scared of the ball that he would back out of the batter’s box as soon as the ball left the pitcher’s hand, whether it was headed for him or not. After countless futile shouts from fans in the stands encouraging him not to be afraid, my dad finally began to pay him 25¢ for every time he would simply keep both feet in the box and swing the bat. He didn’t even have to hit the ball to get paid, he just had to not back out and swing!
If we’re honest, many of us feel like my brother in the batter’s box when we approach God’s presence. In our heart of hearts, we always feel one foot instinctively backing out.
If that’s you, hear these confidence-boosting words from the book of Hebrews:
“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who is 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.” (Hebrews 4:14-16)
This passage gives two solid reasons to be confident as you draw near to God.
First, Jesus is your high priest. That means, as you read these very words, Jesus stands in God’s presence on your behalf. He is your go-between, your mediator, your robe of righteousness. By His blood, He has forever secured that you experience the throne of God as a throne of grace. You draw near to God on His merit, not your own.
Second, Jesus sympathizes with your weaknesses. He lived a fully human life and knows exactly what it’s like to be tempted, weak and under pressure. Take comfort knowing that the sinless Savior actually feels with you in your weakness and temptation.
Since these things are true, what should we do about it? The answer is clear: “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”. Jesus died to make you confident in the presence of God.
Questions to ponder:
- What does it look like for you to “hold fast your confession” today that Jesus is your sinless, sympathizing high priest?
- What does it look like for you to draw near to the throne of grace with confidence today?
Action Step:
- Take time right now to thank Jesus for being your high priest and draw near to the throne of grace with confidence, bringing every need to your heavenly Father.
- Soak in the song “Before the Throne of God Above” by Shane and Shane.
