February 23

Scripture

Hebrews 4:14-16

Devotion

“Have you ever hesitated to ask someone for help because you weren’t sure they would understand or accept you? Fear of rejection can make us pull away, trying to avoid being a burden or being misunderstood. Sometimes we carry that same fear into our relationship with God, holding back our struggles and doubts instead of bringing them fully before Him.”

In the Old Testament, people were not able to approach God directly. Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place once a year on the Day of Atonement to offer sacrifices for the nation’s sins. No one else could come that close to God, and the high priest had to carry the weight of the people’s sins year after year.

Jesus is our great High Priest, fulfilling and surpassing this role. He is sinless and perfect, offering Himself as the final sacrifice for humanity’s sins. His sacrifice tore down the barriers between God and us, giving everyone the ability to approach God directly.

Because of Jesus, we don’t have to carry that feeling of shame and isolation. We can now approach God with boldness and confidence. Hebrews reminds us that He sympathizes with our weaknesses. He knows what it is like to face temptation and suffering yet never sinned.

This Lent, we are called to approach God boldly, trusting in the intercession of our High Priest and resting in His perfect love. Take a few moments each day to bring your worries, doubts, and struggles fully before God in prayer. Don’t hold back, approach His throne with confidence, knowing that Jesus understands and intercedes for you.

Questions

What would it look like for you to approach the throne of grace with boldness in prayer today?

How can remembering that Jesus has empathy for your struggles change the way you walk with Him today?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for knowing us so deeply and for walking with us in every part of our lives. Thank You for entering a broken, sinful world to set an example and show us how to live. Thank You for giving Your life so that we might have forgiveness and new life through You. Help us to approach Your throne with confidence and boldness today, and guide us to share the same love, grace, and compassion You have shown us in every interaction.