Devotion for October 5, 2021

Hebrews 4:15-16
For 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. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Set aside the divinity of Christ for a moment and consider how Jesus’ humanity and the way he lived brought people to follow him. He can sympathize with us. He was tested like us. He was without sin. We can approach the throne of grace with boldness because of the life, death, and resurrection of the Christ.

Step back for a moment and consider next how Jesus lived. He lived guided by the two commandments he called the greatest. Love God. Love your neighbor. When we do those things, we too can approach with boldness born from a lifetime of humility and love, where we give mercy and grace as it was shown to us. Let’s start there to influence culture rather than declaring war on it.