Hebrews 4:14-16 – Drawing near to God through Christ

 These three verses should make us want to persevere in prayers, especially in times of trials and discouragement. The Hebrew children whom the author was writing to, were tempted to abandon their faith and return to Judaism because of persecution. And he had earlier called on them to consider Jesus their Great High Priest. So here, he once again drew their attention to Jesus and showed them why they should do so. In verse 13, he told them that they could not hide from God, Who could see everything. This suggests that instead of running away from God, they should draw near to Him through Jesus; the High Priest Who had given them access to God’s throne of grace.

Here, the author gave two commands to believers. The first command is for believers to hold fast the confession of faith (verse 14). The Second is for believers to draw near with confidence (verse 16). Both these commands were made on the basis that Jesus is the Great High Priest. He is the unique Son of God, Who had passed through the heavens. Furthermore, Jesus our High Priest became a perfect man, hence He can sympathize with our weaknesses. Therefore, believers should draw near to the throne of grace in time of needs. Jesus’ ascension to the right hand of God and His humanity are both essential elements of His unique High Priesthood. Understanding these facts will also help us to persevere in prayers in time of needs.   

How unique is Jesus, our High Priest? He passed through the heavens and entered into the very presence of God. Bear in mind that all Old Testament high priests could only enter into the Holy of Holies once a year. But Jesus transcended into the heaven and right into the very presence of God, for all time and eternity. Then, in verse 15, Jesus is being portrayed as a sympathetic High Priest. Jesus is God who came in human flesh and He went through the whole array of the experiences of man. And as a human being, He was tempted in every aspect, but He did not succumb to any of them. Thus, He knows exactly how human beings feel in all situations, and therefore, can help them in their situations. Hence, in verse 16, the author called on believers to draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, to find mercy and grace in all times of needs. We can certainly draw near to God through Christ with confidence, so let’s do it

How long has it been since you talked with the Lord

And told Him your heart’s hid in secrets?

How long since you prayed?

How long since you stayed on your knees till the light shone through?

How long has it been since you knelt by your bed

And prayed to the Lord up in heaven?

How long since you knew that He’d answered you

And would keep you the long night through?