Hebrews 4: 12-16 (NIV)

12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are — yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Reflection:

Jesus is the living Word. He is alive and active. In Him, everything is uncovered and laid bare. Nothing is hidden from God’s eyes. He penetrates even our very thoughts and attitudes of heart – how fearful is this?! But praise God that we have Jesus Christ, who has been tempted in every way but did not sin, and sits enthroned on the throne of grace. When we are struggling even in the depths of our thoughts and attitudes, we can come to God with confidence to receive mercy and grace to help us in our times of need.

Response:

How blessed we are, and what a joy and a privilege it is, that we can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence. We can bank on this truth that He will pour out His mercy and grace when we need it. Let’s come before him with the deep cries, anguish, and anxieties of our hearts, even thoughts and attitudes that we may be struggling with, and receive His mercy and grace to live in a way that is pleasing to Him.