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 (Hebrews 4:15-16).
Exodus chapter 20 reveals a scene where Moses approached God on the mountain. The people of Israel were there with him. Then the thunders and lightnings came. The noise of a trumpet filled the air. Smoke came billowing from the mountain.
Understandably, the people were terrified. Following is the picture of what happened:
And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die (Exodus 20:18-19).
So, Moses was the go-between for the people of Israel with regard to their relationship with God. Think about it- they were afraid to approach their Heavenly Father who only wanted the best for them.
As we follow Scripture, the high priest became the mediator for them. He was the one who made the sacrifices for their sin and for his own sin. Obviously, the perfect priest and the perfect sacrifice had not yet appeared. Hebrews 7: 26-27 says, “For such a high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice , first for his own sins, and then for the people’s; for this he did once, when he offered up himself.”
Jesus came and everything changed. He was tempted just as we are- yet without sin. He was the perfect and final sacrifice for the sins of all people.Not only was He tempted- He experienced every day life as we do. He knows and understands what we deal with and how we feel. Because of Jesus, things are so much better.
We no longer need someone else to approach God for us because Jesus is our intercessor. Shrinking in fear is not necessary because God has proven His love for us. Now we can come to Him- not arrogantly- but boldly, knowing that He cares.
When we come to God, what will we find? We will find mercy when we have failed to live up to His standards. We will find grace to help us in the time of need. It is so good to know that we can live in His favor no matter what is happening in life.
Yes, it is so much better than it was- because of Jesus. Certainly, we have reason to praise Him for what He has done.
Dave Snyder is an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God – Cleveland, Tennessee. Before entering the ministry on a full-time basis, he was a school teacher. He also coached middle school basketball for eight years.
Dave and his wife, Sara, have two children — Craig and Karen. They also have one ten year old granddaughter — Breanna.
Dave and Sara pastored in West Virginia for thirty-six years. Sara is now retired from the banking industry, and Dave is retired from pastoring. However, Dave currently serves as prison Chaplain for the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Writing essays, articles, and devotionals is a real passion for Dave. He also enjoys playing musical instruments and singing.
by leaps and bounds 
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