Hebrews 4:14-16 “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (NASB)
Do you pray? When you do, to whom do you pray? As Christians we have been granted a unique privilege, the right to enter through prayer right into God’s presence with whatever praise or petition we wish to offer.
This is actually a big deal because until Christ’s work on the cross was complete it just didn’t happen. Even now it only happens for those covered by the blood of Christ through faith.
Historically God spoke to and through a prophet. Hebrews says, “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways,” Hebrews 1:1 An example of prayer on behalf of the people is given in 1 Samuel, “Then Samuel said, "Gather all Israel to Mizpah and I will pray to the LORD for you." 1Samuel 7:5 Prayer was on behalf of the people, not by the people themselves.
Likewise, under the Law, there was a certain way for meeting with God. Only the high priest appointed for that year following all necessary sacrifice and cleansing could enter a special place within the tabernacle and later the temple. “Behind the second veil there was a tabernacle which is called the Holy of Holies,” Hebrews 9:3 It was there in that special place at the appointed time the high priest could speak to God on behalf of the people. Meeting with God then was a very special and unique thing.
At the point of Christ’s death a very special thing occurred. Matthew's gospel records the event this way, “And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split.” Matthew 27:51
The significance is that upon Christ’s death the barrier between a Holy God and sinful man was removed. It is symbolized by the torn veil but more importantly it provided the opportunity for those with faith in Christ to speak with God directly. The Hebrews passage sited at the beginning sums it up, “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace…”. Hebrews 4:16
We are able to pray to God because our high priest is Jesus himself, “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.” Hebrews 4:14
AMEN!
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