November 11, 2023 - Hebrews 3-4

“Since then 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 is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (4:14-16). Wow, now, this is something! All of us have struggled with some besetting sin or another, one which we have fought to overcome, but we have many times failed in our struggle. To have to go back to God, over and over and over again, and ask forgiveness . . . well, that just begins to wear on us and even causes us to wonder if we are really saved. “But,” the writer says, "”Listen! We have a Savior who understands! And we can go back to the throne of grace over and over and over again and receive mercy!” Wow, wow, wow!

Come, you disconsolate, where’er you languish;

come to the mercy seat, fervently kneel.

Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish;

earth has no sorrows that heaven cannot heal.

Joy of the desolate, light of the straying,

hope of the penitent, fadeless and pure!

Here speaks the Comforter, in mercy saying,

“Earth has no sorrows that heaven cannot cure.”

Here see the bread of life; see waters flowing

forth from the throne of God, pure from above.

Come to the feast prepared; come, ever knowing

earth has no sorrows but heaven can remove. -- Thomas Moore (1816); Thomas Hastings (1832)