DAY 5: PRAY FOR CONFIDENCE TO DRAW NEAR TO GOD – PASTOR MIKE BUSSEY
PASTOR MIKE BUSSEY
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SCRIPTURE
Hebrews 7:23-25
The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
DEVOTION
Yesterday Pastor Heiden talked about wisdom that comes from the fear of the Lord. Today I want to talk about the confidence we should have to draw near to the God we rightly fear.
If you are anything like me, I tend to think often about what Jesus did for me… back then.
He lived, he died, and he rose from the grave. He paid for my sin debt in full on the cross, and as a result, I have peace with God through Him, and my eternal future in Heaven is secure. And to be sure, that is to be celebrated and thought of regularly. But this Scripture is teaching us that Jesus is still doing something for us right now.
In the days of the Bible, the priests would go to God on behalf of the people of Israel, and they would offer sacrifices every day to cover their sins. But, of course, this was all pointing forward to a day when someone would come, a Savior who would permanently solve the sin problem between God and humanity. As Christians, we know that that person was Jesus (John 1:29). But this priest was different than the rest. He didn’t sacrifice a lamb for us. Instead, Jesus, our Great High Priest, sacrificed himself. Just try to imagine the love (I dare you) that he had for you and me to give his life for us (John 15:13).
Isn’t it wonderful that after Jesus gave his life for us that he rose from the grave? In fact, he is alive at this very moment. Think of it. And he is still our Great High Priest because, as this Scripture teaches, he lives forever! That should be comforting news for you to hear today. Here are just a few reasons why:
First, the love that Jesus had for you back then when he died for you burns just as bright at this very moment as it ever has.
Second, Jesus is a High Priest that continually intercedes for you because he lives forever! Your desperate need for Jesus to intercede on your behalf will not outlive him!
Finally, and maybe the best news of all, you may ask yourself, “can Jesus really forgive me? At times, I am so sinful that Jesus couldn’t possibly save someone like me.” Maybe you are an “uttermost” sinner.” But, my friend, let the Word of God reassure your heart today. He is able to save you to the uttermost. You may be an uttermost sinner, but he is an uttermost Savior!
PRAYER
Jesus, when I sin, my first instinct is often to run and hide from you. Would you please help me remember that you are an uttermost Savior, that you live, even now, and you love me? God, right now, I am asking you for the confidence I need to draw near to you at all times, even when I feel the weight of my sin so deeply. Amen.
ACTION STEP
- Remind a fellow Christian of the good news that Jesus is able to save them to the uttermost
IDEAS:
- Spend some time meditating on the truth that as you read this devotional right now, you have a Savior in Heaven that is interceding for you.
- Read Hebrews 4:14-16 and thank the Lord that he is able to sympathize with your weaknesses.
FITNESS
IDEAS:
- Run the fifth mile out of the total of 21.
- Do 14 sit-ups and 14 push-ups.
