Today is the 7th day of Lent.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, Chapter 4

"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."

The author of Hebrews tells us that Jesus, the son of God was tempted in every way, just as we are, but did not sin. Consider how you may have been tempted recently: to lie, to cheat, to gossip, to malign someone, to explode in anger… Have you ever imagined that God Himself, as Christ, was tempted in precisely those same ways? How does that make you feel?

Christ can empathize with us in our temptation. But He did something we can’t do: he persevered through temptation without sin. As you listen to the reading again, contemplate the profound truth that God, in Christ, can identify with you in your temptation, and he has mercy on you as you are tempted.

"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."

Imagine that for a moment—Christ giving up His protected power and privilege so that he might be able to empathize with us. Can you imagine, right now, the God of the universe looking on you with empathy, mercy, and grace? As you walk through your day today, ask God to so fill you with his mercy that it overflows to someone in your life who needs it.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
Throne of Grace - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)