October 4 | Hebrews 7:11-28
- Todd Marti
- Oct 3
- 3 min read
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Approaching
By Todd Marti
Today’s reading explains that Jesus is the ultimate priest; he acts as an intermediary between us and the Father in ways that far exceed what any Old Testament priest could do. What this passage doesn’t explain is what we are to do with that, how we are to respond to it. The good news is that another part of Hebrews does.
That part is Hebrews 4:15-16. It tells us that:
“we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (NASB, other translations here)
The writer of Hebrews is not the only person to relay that truth. St. John tells us that if “we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us[.]” 1 John 1:9. St. James similarly tells us that, if we lack wisdom to deal with something, we “should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault[.]” James 1:5. Along the same lines, St. Paul tells us not to be anxious, “but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7. And Jesus himself says “[c]ome to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28. That reality is described in many other places. See the scriptures collected in Wisdom Principles—God Loves and Calls Us to Him, In Spite of our Sin The consistent direction is to bring our faults, fears, and problems to Jesus. He already knows about them and how we should deal with them. He is eager to help us do so.
How do we do that? The details are provided in Hebrews 4:16: “draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (emphasis added). The Greek word translated as “draw near” means to come forward to speak. To do so “with confidence” is to do so unreservedly, and without fear. To “receive” is to grasp or apprehend with the mind. To “find” is to find with previous search. Together, those words describe us laying out our concerns in detail, like we would with a trusted friend or advisor. Although Jesus already knows more about our problems than we ever will, the very act of discussing them with him will help us better understand them and how he wants us to deal with them. That’s why he’s offering to talk them through with us. We should accept that offer.
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, please draw us to Jesus when we mess up, when we don’t know how to deal with something. Help us to really engage with him, to thoroughly talk the matter through with him, both expressing our concerns and listening for his response. Thank you.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
TODD MARTI
I have been connected to UALC since 2000 in various small groups and as a co-manager of the UALC Community Garden. I’m married to Kelly Marti, and the proud father of Sarah Marti. I am happy to be writing these devotions.
I really enjoyed your discussion of how we receive from God in the area of wisdom. Good job.