Today we continue our journey through the book of Hebrews in chapter 4.  Perhaps one of the best known verses in the book of Hebrews is Hebrews 4:12.  It speaks of the word of God being living and active sharper than a double edged sword.  To me it is very interesting how the author follows that up immediately with a reference to Jesus, our great high priest.  Let’s look at the passage together today. 

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

For many of us today we may not grasp the significance of these two things coming together.  The word or law exists to show us how to live and the author emphasizes its ability to expose our hearts and sin.  Jesus came to be our great high priest and reconcile us to God in the midst of our sin.  This in turn leads us to verse 16 where we approach God’s throne of grace with confidence to receive the grace and mercy that we need.  This is the story of the Bible told in a few brief verses.  God provides us with His word, we fall short, Jesus intervenes, and we can boldly come to God reconciled by the blood of Jesus.  Approach God boldly today and thank Him for both His word which guides us and Jesus’ work which rescues us. 

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave