“For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15,16)
The fact that we have a personal relationship with the Creator of the Universe through Jesus Christ is one of the most striking truths that distinguishes Christianity from every other major world religion. We do not worship a wrathful, inaccessible deity who is far away from us. He is holy and elevated, yet He also has a close relationship with those who are in His Son.
This was not always the case. Sin separated man from his Creator. God cannot tolerate sin because of His hatred for it and because He is just and good. In the Old Testament, God’s presence was concealed from His people, and He lived behind a curtain. Offerings and prayers were conveyed through a high priest because there was no direct way to reach God. Everything about the Tabernacle and the Temple served to emphasize how far away from God man is. Nobody could become upright enough to enter His presence through an offering. The Jews continued to come, offering the blood of bulls and goats because, despite their best efforts, they were never good enough. It was not doable. They could never reach perfection, which is God’s standard.
After countless tries and failures, feasts, rites, and offerings across millennia God’s people had enough time to realize that they would never be able to cross the abyss their sin had caused. Although the law was flawless, they weren’t. The prophets had made announcements and issued warnings. The path had been laid out. And on a starry night, a newborn boy was born in a stable in Bethlehem, fulfilling a prophecy. Only a young engaged couple and several helpless shepherds in a field were informed of His arrival by angels. When God became a baby, there was no ceremony, no feast, and no fuss. God with us, Immanuel was present.
The all-powerful God descended from heaven and decided to rely on His creation. He experienced temptation, torment, mockery, and hatred. Nothing we go through is beyond His comprehension because He has also experienced suffering. We can come to Him knowing that He will hear us, not with condemnation but with compassion. He has experienced weakness; therefore, we can always find support in Him.
Prayer: Father, I am in awe of Your grace and kindness when I consider all that You have done for me. I thank You for coming to me when I was unable to come to You. I praise You for providing Your Son for me to get to know You. You alone are the only source of real support and assurance. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
