This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:15-16 NLT
Believing and understanding something is one thing; having it make a daily difference in our lives is another. Maya Angelou is credited with saying, “When you know better, you do better.” That’s almost true, but there’s also a big difference in that almost. We all know that just knowing better doesn’t automatically make us do better. We all know certain things that would cut our electricity bill, make us healthier, or build a relationship. But do we just start doing them because we know how? No. Dr. Angelou said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” That’s it. When we know better, the door of opportunity opens and we can now see our lives change because we can choose to do better. We can make a daily difference that creates a major life upgrade.
Knowing that our King and Savior Jesus was both fully God and fully man is intended to make a daily difference for us. Of course, the fact that Jesus is fully Almighty God gives Him the power to do anything. But believing and understanding that He also willingly laid aside His power and privilege to become fully man opens the door to a deep and powerful relationship as we pray.
Because Jesus became fully human, we have full access to God without fear. Throughout human history, humans have felt terror in approaching God. Thrones speak of royalty and authority. The Ultimate Power of the universe could be seated on a throne of judgment and shame, but through Jesus we are invited to the throne of grace, a place of undeserved favor. Shame and guilt tell us to run from authority and power, but this King invites us to run to a place of welcome. Because Jesus became fully human, we receive mercy for our past. Mercy means we do not get the punishment our mistakes and sins deserve. It wipes our slate clean. We receive grace for our present. Grace gives us the strength, peace, help, and resources we could never earn. We don’t need to beg. God has pre-decided through Jesus they are ours. Because Jesus became fully human, we can get the exact help we need just when we need it. The usual translation says, “help in the time of need.” The literal translation says, “well-timed help.” There’s no contradiction here. The first one focuses on our need. When we have a need, we go to a willing God. The second one focuses on His timing. His help is just WHAT I need just WHEN I need it. Knowing all this should make me anticipate praying to this God.
- Jesus, thank You for understanding who and what I am and everything I experience. Help me come to You with my whole self, making a daily difference through my communication with You. You will give me all I need. I can’t afford to miss out on what You have given me.