"For we have not an 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."-Hebrews 4:15-16
Unless you've walked in a person's shoes, you can't know what it is to be in his or her situation. Accordingly, youths at times accuse us parents of being out of touch. When I was a teen I had to be in the house certainly before midnight, but nowadays it's not uncommon for teens to just be leaving to go out at 11:00 p.m. When I was young, it was not becoming of a teenaged girl to aggressively go after a guy, but now it seems that stigma is all but gone.
In the Old Testament, the high priest was the one who went into a sacred place in the tabernacle to petition God on behalf of the people. In this New Testament era we are currently in, Jesus is the High Priest of the believers. Since He abides in heaven with His Father, He lives in the presence of God. He petitions the Father on our behalf that we might receive grace during our times of need.
The important point is that Jesus has walked in our shoes. He was made flesh and lived on earth and was tempted in all points as we are. During this time, over thirty years, He never sinned. That means He understands the struggles associated with living a life of obedience to God while living in this world, and so He can effectively plead our causes.
Grace refers to anything that is unmerited. It takes the form of whatever we need at the particular time. All of us need lots of grace to live a life that pleases God. It is through prayer that we gain access to the throne of grace-the throne of God. Because Jesus Christ--our Advocate--understands our struggles and He lives in the presence of God we should come boldly to this throne.
Dear God in heaven, thank You for Your grace to help me in my times of need. Thank You for Your Son Jesus Christ, our Advocate, who can relate to my infirmities.... Amen.
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