Hebrews 4:16 April 15, 2014

Marie Carlisle        

Hebrews 4:16        

April 15, 2014

Let’s be brave, then, and approach God’s throne where there is grace.  There we will receive mercy and find grace to help us just when we need it.

The first question that comes to mind is - who wrote the Book of Hebrews?  Opinions vary, but the most commonly held opinion is that Paul wrote Hebrews.  The author was well known to the Hebrews, knew Timothy and was very knowledgeable of the Old Testament.  The book focuses on the priesthood of Jesus and urges the Hebrews to rely upon the work of Christ on the Cross.  It is believed that Hebrews was written some time before 70 AD (CARM website).

Now, with the basics out of the way, let me focus on the particular passage quoted above.  The Lenten “theme” word of grace appears twice in this verse.  However, the phrase that drew me at first to choose to write about this verse was “Let’s be brave, then . . . ”  Other interpretations choose the word bold in this introductory phrase.  Either way, this is a quality that I can possess only through my faith that God strengthens and guides me in my quest through life.  In turn, I can take that “bravery” that God provides, approach His throne and seek to attain that grace that He gives so freely and mercifully.  Clark’s commentary defines grace (to paraphrase) as that by which the soul is supported after it has received God’s mercy.  What a wonderful thing is that!

Grace is there for our receiving of it.  All that we have to do is to ask sincerely and prayerfully for God’s grace, and (I am counting on this!) it will be there to help just when we need it. 

Prayer - Heavenly Father, thank you for the grace that you pour so freely upon us.  May we strive to be worthy of your mercy and goodness here at Westminster Church as we seek to do your will.  Amen.