Friday October 1, 2010

Read Hebrews 4:1-16

As Jesus died on the cross we are told that He made a mockery of the powers and authorities that were pitted against Him. He won victory over them through His death and resurrection. Biblically, that victory is ours in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 4:15-16 sums up wonderfully the help that Jesus gives us.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin.  Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Jesus has been tempted (in His earthly life) in many ways just like you and I are. He’s been tempted in ways and in degrees that you and I will never be. Just read the account of His desert temptation in Matthew 4, Mark 1, or Luke 4 and you’ll quickly realise that satan has never stood before me or you tempting us to prove our identity as the Son of God.  Even so, with that immense amount of temptation, Jesus was without sin. He never once yielded to temptation. He never once gave in. He stood the test. He stood firm in the faith.

As the victor over all evil powers and authorities, Jesus is able to pass on to us the spoils of His victory. He can give us mercy and grace in our time of need. You and I can approach the throne of grace with confidence knowing that mercy and grace flow out from there. We can come to Jesus knowing that He has been tempted, just like we have, but was without sin. We come confidently knowing that He will give us mercy and grace to help us when we are desperate.

Victory is ours as we come to Jesus.

Prayer:-

m Pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ that in Him they will be strong and godly. Pray that all your congregation will be able to stand through temptation and to walk the way that God has provided. Pray that holiness will be the heartfelt desire of everyone in your congregation.

m Pray that our brothers and sisters in Pakistan will be strengthened to stand firm in the face of economic persecution, physical persecution and the threat of violence and death from others around them. Pray that the gospel light will shine brightly through these men, women and children of faith.