In Plain View
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, open Your Word and open my heart and mind to receive it and learn from it today, I pray.
Read Hebrews 4:12-16
[12] For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. [13] Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. [14] Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. [15] For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet he did not sin. [16] Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
How is God's Word described here?Having looked at Jesus as superior to angels, and greater than Moses, we are now presented with him as the great high priest; the fulfillment of all previous high-priestly activity. He’s the one who deals with our sin and makes salvation possible, yet understands our human nature completely. He understands our instinct to hide and cover up our wrongdoing (as Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden). He has provided the way for us to come out into the open, boldly and freely, so that his grace and mercy can be received. We can’t hide from God; our deeds, thoughts and plans are open to him. So often, however, we act as though they’re not, either by deliberate intent or casual neglect. His Word cuts through to the very heart of things, exposes us for what we are and asks us to account for it. Like the prodigal son (Luke 15) who came to his senses and realized what a mess he was in, we need to come home and admit to God our guilt and failure, accepting all he wants to give us. Then, we find the “mercy and grace” we so greatly need (16).
Apply
Reflect now on any sin in your life. Then, confess it and rejoice in God’s great mercy and grace.
Closing prayer
Merciful Lord, how grateful I am for Your Word that instructs and convicts me, and for Your unfailing mercy and grace.
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