It takes courage to thwart tradition. To shrug off the fabric of a religious heritage handed down from generation to generation and embrace, instead, a world view so powerful you can’t ignore it. Jewish Christians in the early church showed this kind of courage. Being a Christian was life-changing and life-threatening. They suffered alienation from family, marginalization from society, and even death because of their faith in Christ.
As the pressures of life as a Christian wore upon them, their faith in Christ became vulnerable and they were tempted to return to Judaism. And so the writer of Hebrews reminded them:
“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. 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. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16
Hit rewind. All the way back to Moses and the children of Israel
Now fast-forward through the centuries. Jesus was born, just like God promised. His life was impeccable and his ministry powerful, just like God promised. His death / resurrection shook-up and realigned the religious world forever, bringing grace to Jew and Gentile alike.
Jesus, the Son of God, is our tangible, objective reason to remain faithful. He was tempted by discouragement like we are, but remained sinless. He’s not only a great high priest who understands, he’s also the pure Sacrificial Lamb who died once for all of us. Just like God promised.
My prayer: Heavenly Father, because Jesus died, because his tomb is empty and because you keep your promises, we approach your throne with confidence—not in our own ability to earn eternal life, but because your gift of grace ensures it. We thank you, through Christ, amen.
Sandra Milholland
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