Read Hebrews 5 -- 7
Aaron, the first high priest for the Israelites, was not selected by the people, but chosen of God. On the Day of Atonement, God directed him to make an atonement for his sins, and then for the sins of his household. Following this, he was qualified to make an atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:11-15).
Every high priest . . . is ordained . . . in things pertaining to God that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. . . . And no man takes this honor to himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not Himself to be made a High Priest; but He that said unto Him, You are My Son. . . . You are a priest for ever. . . . And . . . He became the Author of eternal salvation to all them that obey Him (Hebrews 5:1-6).
Jesus the Lamb of God (John 1:29) offered Himself on the cross for the sins of the world. But there was no need for Jesus to make a sin offering for Himself, as required of Aaron, because He was and is the sinless Son of God. He is now seated at the right hand of the Throne of Majesty in the heavens (Hebrews 8:1).
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not a High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (4:14-16).
Our greatest need is to obtain mercy. God is absolutely holy, and as such, cannot be in the presence of sin. By nature, we are inclined to evil, and, consequently, have no claim to His mercy. How we ought to praise Him that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Yes, our needs for mercy are numerous. Daily we are pressed by temptations and satanic thoughts that are evil, and our moral weakness within often causes us to fall short of what our heart would lead us to do.
With some there are trials arising from worldly prosperity with temptations to luxury, conformity to the world, spiritual sloth, and presumptuous self-reliance. Others who are poverty-stricken may be tempted to blame God and to resort to unlawful or illegal means of obtaining material needs.
Still harder to bear is the loss of a loved one through death, and we are tempted to question the wisdom and love of God.
Perhaps our greatest needs arise from emotional and physical suffering. Regardless of the circumstances let us never forget that His unlimited mercy and grace are always available in time of need.
The God of all grace, who has called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you (1 Peter 5:10).
Cross References:
For Hebrews 5:5: See Psalms 2:7. Hebrews 5:6: See Psalms 110:4. Hebrews 6:14: See Genesis 22:17.
Prayer Needs:
Government Officials: Rep. Anna Eshoo (CA) and Gov. Tom Vilsack (IA) · BPM Staff: Steve Harle · Pray for Youth With A Mission/Discover Africa and Joseph Zintseme · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio Broadcast sponsored by Thursday Morning Prayer · Country: Kyrgyzstan (5 million) eastern central Asia · Major languages: Kirghiz and Russian · Religious freedom · 60% Muslim; 11% Russian Orthodox; .8% Protestant/Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Pray for spiritual prosperity (1 Chronicles 4:9-10).
Memory Verse for the Week: Titus 3:3