Daily Devotion for March 14 - Hebrews 4:14 - 16

Verse

Hebrews 4:14-16 – "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."

Meditation

Christ, our great High Priest, is not distant from our struggles. He has walked the path of temptation, yet without sin. Unlike earthly priests who offer sacrifices for themselves and the people, Jesus, the sinless One, offered Himself once for all. This truth gives us confidence to approach the throne of grace. It is not a throne of judgment for those who belong to Christ, but a place where mercy is freely given. In our weakness, we do not face a cold or indifferent God but One who knows our frailty firsthand. The temptations we endure are not foreign to Him. He understands, He intercedes, and He provides the grace we so desperately need. Therefore, we hold fast to our confession, not in our own strength, but in His, trusting that the One who suffered for us also sustains us.

Old Testament

Psalm 103:13-14 – "As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust."

The psalmist reminds us of God’s fatherly compassion, knowing our weakness and meeting us with mercy.

Collect

O Lord, our great High Priest, who knows our weakness and intercedes for us, grant that we may come before Your throne with confidence, receiving mercy and finding grace in every need, that we may hold fast to our confession and walk in the strength You provide, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Hymn Verse

"Before the throne of God above,
I have a strong, a perfect plea,
A great High Priest whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me." (LSB 574:1)