Ordinary Time | Our Great High Priest | The Rev. Chad E. JarnaginHebrews 4:12-16 (NRSV)12 Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.Jesus the Great High Priest14 Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested[a] as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.By pointing out God’s word is living and active, the writer wants us to recognize that it is vibrant and stirring. Sharp to the point of dividing soul and spirit... joints and marrow...thoughts and intentions of the heart. Verse 13 continues with no creature being hidden, all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must give account. Continuing into verse 14, the writer begins to submit the concept of how a Believer is kept in perfect rest... by grace, the office of our Great High Priest... and that he has passed through the heavens. Jewish writings speak of different layers to heaven: meaning that within heaven, God’s part of the two-sided created order, as opposed to ‘earth’, the space- time cosmos we live in, there are layers with God’s own dwelling being the innermost one.We have tendencies to project our version of god on to God. As God is unsympathetic, lacking empathy and understanding. This is one of themost complex breakdowns for Believers. The writer of Hebrews encourages to hold firmly to the faith we profess. Our high priest is able to sympathize with our weakness and temptation in every way. We are not alone. You are not alone.If that is the case, let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.We will experience a lack of confidence when Christ is removed from our center. The throne of grace becomes “a throne of suspicion”, a”throne of isolation”, or a “throne of know more / do more”... Any substitution will eventually prove to be a farce.What does a confident approach look like? Knowing the throne being approached... one of grace... with no hesitation, timidity... having assurance / knowing... there will grace and mercy in time of need. Here’s a reality for us to meditate on: approaching the throne of grace with confidence isn’t arrogance. It would arrogant not to, and attempt on our own power. Our way forward isn’t a by-pass route, it is direct joined with Christ.
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