Verse of the Day 12/15

Verse of the Day 12/15

 

Hebrews 4:15-16   For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time.  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

 

As I mentioned yesterday, our men's Bible study group went through Colossians 3:1-17 where we considered how we are to take of the old self, that of "immorality, impurity, evil desires and greed" (among other things) and to put on Christ with "compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness and love".  These are all things that are only possible through God's grace which involves not just pardon for when we have sinned, but pardon with power, power to overcome those very sins.

 

It just so happened that in my devotions this morning I read the following about God's grace.  It was not associated directly with today's verses but reading the post brought the verse to mind.  I thought I 'd share it with you.  Henry Law writes:

 

O God of patience and consolation, glory be to You for this throne of grace.

Make it ever to us--the chosen pleasure-ground of our souls.

May it be the fortress to which continually we flee.

Here may we obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Here may we see by faith, Your reconciled smile.

Here may we rejoice to plead the name of Jesus.

Here may we . . .

  sharpen the sword of the Spirit,

  anoint the shield of faith, and

  put on the helmet of salvation.

 

By prayer also, may we gather supplies of heavenly manna--even the precious nourishment of Your Word. Thus may we be . . .

  strengthened for each conflict,

  nerved for our upward race, and

  empowered for more than conquest over every foe.

We know that Christ is the open channel for all blessings to descend upon us. Help us to beg, until the sluices of mercy widely open, and our souls are so replenished that there shall be no room to receive more.

 

As we approach Christmas, let us be mindful of the blessing of being able to approach this throne of grace through Jesus, interceding for us.  Think of some of the other scripture verses that come to your mind as you read through the verses, quote and hymn.

 

Wonderful Grace of Jesus, reaching to all the lost;
By it I have been pardoned, saved to the uttermost.
Chains have been torn asunder, giving me liberty;
O the Wonderful Grace of Jesus, reaches me!

Refrain
Wonderful the matchless Grace of Jesus,
the matchless Grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;
the rolling sea;
Wonderful Grace, all sufficient for me, for even me
Higher than the mountain, sparkling like a fountain,
All sufficient Grace for even me.
Broader than the scope of my transgressions,
sing it!
Greater far than all my sin and shame
my sin and shame,
O magnify the precious name of Jesus,
PRAISE HIS NAME!

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV

 

Hebrews 4:12-16 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹² For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. ¹³ And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Jesus the Great High Priest

¹⁴ Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. ¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.