“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.” [Hebrews 4:16 HCSB]
The beginning of Hebrews is an admonition to not allow a pattern of unbelief and disobedience to take up residence in our hearts.
In the middle of the chapter, the writer reminds us that the written Living Word of God is able to discern when that happens. And that our Living WORD, Christ Jesus our LORD, is also able to scrutinize our hearts and see if what is there matches our words and actions.
The writer also reminds us that the Living WORD understands our weaknesses. He walked this earth and was tested in the same way we are. He grieved, He cried, He suffered loss, He died. He not only reveals our weakness, but He also knows them and understands them. He is sympathetic to us.
The end of Hebrews 4 is an invitation to approach the Throne of Grace. To come with a confidence that we will receive the mercy and grace that we need to help us.
We do not come arrogantly, as if we deserved this invitation, we come with a quiet assurance that we will be welcomed because Christ Jesus our High Priest sacrificed Himself for us. He opened the way to the Throne of Grace.
Warning, scrutiny, sympathy and finally an avenue to grace and mercy. Thank you Jesus! Amen