Hebrews 4:14-16 In Christ we can come boldly to the Throne of Grace.

 Hebrews 7:19 for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

We all fall short of the glory of God. BUT if Christ is in us we will be changed, precept by precept, into the character of our Redeemer King. We will be able to acknowledge our sin and confess. We will know other believers by the fruit of Holy Spirit that is evident in their lives. God will not be mocked whatever men sow they will reap. Carla

Hebrews 4:14-16

14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  (NKJV)

Then refers back to the subject of the High Priesthood of Christ (2:17–3:6). We have indicates possession. In the OT the high priest of Israel passed through the courts and veils into the Most Holy Place. Our High Priest has passed through the heavens to the very presence of God, where He sits at God’s right hand (1:3).

Sympathize means “to suffer with” and expresses the feeling of one who has entered into suffering. In all points tempted means Jesus experienced every degree of temptation (2:18). Come is the same Greek word translated draw near in 10:22. This command strongly contrasts with God’s command at Mt. Sinai: “Do not go up to the mountain or touch its base (Exodus 19:12). Because of Christ’s priestly work, believers can approach God’s presence. The writer of Hebrews is expressing the openness of God’s call in Christ, “Come” (Revelations 22:17). Boldly is the same word that is rendered confidence in 3:6 and means “plainness of speech,” “fearlessness,” or “courage.” Believers should courageously approach God in prayer because His is a throne of grace, and our High Priest sits at His right hand interceding for us. The NKJV Study Bible

Sounding a theme that continues throughout the rest of Hebrews, this passage portrays Jesus as the great high priest who identifies with sinful humanity yet remains without sin (verse 15)

Gone through the heavens refers to Jesus’ exaltation (Philippians 2:9–11). Because Jesus already has ascended into heaven and entered into God’s rest, believers can be confident that they, too, will have a share in God’s rest. Because Jesus established His role as high priest by becoming like us (2:17–18), He can understand human struggles. 

Our weaknesses likely refer to sickness, imprisonment, and ostracism. Jesus faced the same temptations as people (Matthew 4:3, 6). Suffering believers can look to Jesus, who not only pioneered their faith but endured the cross—the cost of obedience to God.

Jesus remained faithful to the one who appointed Him (Hebrews 3:2). Unlike other priests, Jesus didn’t need to offer sacrifices for His own sins; instead, He offered Himself unblemished to God (7:27; 9:14). Believers should pray persistently because Jesus empathizes with human weakness (verse 15). He continues to make intercession for those who draw near to God (7:25). In the Jerusalem temple, only the high priest could enter the most holy place—and only once per year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16; Hebrews 9:7). By offering Himself once for all, Jesus made a way for believers to draw near to God.

The throne of grace is the  place of God’s presence, from which grace emanates to His people. God’s throne sits in the heavenly temple—the counterpart of the earthly temple (Hebrews 8:1; Isaiah 6:1; 66:1; Exodus 25:17–22). Christ is the merciful high priest who mediates on our behalf (2:17). Because of His work, God grants mercy to believers when they sin (Hebrews 8:12). God strengthens His people when they undergo temptation or endure any type of hardship (2:18). Faithlife Study Bible

Hebrews 2:17–3:1

Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted…

2 Corinthians 5:21

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Hebrews 7:25–26

Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; 

Hebrews 6:20

where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

We are brother and sister.

An affirmation of Mother Teresa’s reminder, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”

Yes. My humanity is bound up in yours—Ubuntu.  Ubuntu does not ask whether we are connected. It tells us that we already are.

It’s not a surprise that I am an unabashed Mr. Rogers fan. Because Mr. Rogers is like church for me. His opening hymn, “Won’t you be my neighbor?” brings smiles and evokes memories from years long ago. His vestments, a sweater and tennis shoes.
“Sometimes we have to ask for help, and that’s OK,” Rogers says. “I think the best thing we can do is to let people know that each one of them is precious.”

Yes. And here’s the power. Even in a world where I too easily shut down, someone still sees me.
And talks to my heart.
And affirms the reality that the space between two people is holy ground.
And lets me know that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength. 

This one thing is undeniable: We are, all of us, thirsty for kindness. Gentleness. Empathy. And compassion. Sabbath Moments