Hebrews 4:12-16 (NRSV)
Read Hebrews 4:12-16 on biblegateway.com
Verse 12Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Verse 13And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account. Verse 14Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. Verse 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Verse 16Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Devotion
In this passage I’m reminded of the brief order for confession and forgiveness, in particular the statement about the forgiving God, “from whom no secrets are hid.” When we come before the throne of grace, we can come just as we are without one plea. How contrary to the way we live in the world where we cover up, deny everything, and avoid taking any responsibility for our actions. Adam and Eve’s great sin, which we have inherited, is the fear of being naked before God, the power of which Christ overcomes by confronting our fear.
Prayer
We give you thanks, O God, that we stand before you exposed as we really are - all culpable in the violence that is to come in war. This means none of us will be innocent; yet, in spite of this knowledge of our culpability, You love us anyway. Amen