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. 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. Hebrews 4:15-16
Day 357 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith)
continues as I move further into the New Testament - this morning I started reading the book of Hebrews. My commentary* notes about the authorship of the letter: "[o]ne indication that the writing may have occurred after Paul’s death is a reference to the release of Timothy. Neither in the historical record nor in any of Paul’s letters is there any indication that Timothy was ever imprisoned. It is quite possible that, if Timothy had traveled to Rome to be with Paul, as Paul had urged him to do, Timothy himself might have been imprisoned at that time or shortly thereafter....With Paul’s authorship left in doubt, it is not clear who the writer might have been. Some believe him to be Luke, while others believe the writer may have been Paul’s colleague Barnabas, or perhaps Apollos. Whoever it was, the letter reveals that the author is personally acquainted with those to whom he is writing and is familiar with the persecution which they are enduring.
Regarding the intent of the letter, my commentary* indicates "[o]bviously having that suffering in mind, and with an awareness that many of the Jewish Christians are being urged to return to Judaism, the writer sets forth a tremendous defense of the Christian faith, drawing forcefully from a Jewish context in urging continued faith in Jesus as the Christ. Moving logically and systematically from one argument to another, the writer shows the superiority of Christ over all that is held to be important to the Jewish religion—prophets, angels, Moses, Joshua, the Levitical priesthood, the covenant, and the sacrifices. Midway through his letter the writer makes a particularly profound argument based upon the character of a high priest named Melchizedek, to whom Abraham had given an offering. Anticipating that some of his readers might miss the point of his argument concerning Christ’s superiority, the writer pauses parenthetically to tell his readers that they need to be more mature in their spiritual understanding. Finally, the writer lists a group of faithful people of God as examples of steadfastness and endurance. He exhorts his readers to imitate the faithful lives of these men and women."
*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) . Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Hebrews provides us with a number of great verses upon which we can all draw great power, peace, encouragement, etc. Christ is defined as our High Priest (a Great One) and someone who experienced what we experience and so much more...He can empathize with us and He defeated both sin and death for us...giving us life to the full now and eternally.
Discuss and comment on this post here.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a the Great High Priest and You bless us in ways that are both great and unimaginable in terms of the bounds with which You love us. I am undeserving of such love. I sin daily, including worry, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
