Grace in Time of Need

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

It is written: “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need..” (Heb. 4:15-16)

We, as believers, have Jesus as our priest sitting at the right hand of the Father. But, He is not so lofty that He cannot be sympathetic over our weaknesses. Therefore, this should encourage us to approach the Father’s throne of grace with absolute confidence that Jesus will meet us there to intercede on our behalf. Jesus is very much acquainted with the powerful temptations of sin; though He did not sin, He was made aware of the overwhelming allurement to give in to sin. His knowledge of the sinful blood of Adam flowing through our veins gives Him understanding of the great difficulties with which we struggle. For that reason, Jesus, as our high priest, is faithful and diligent in the administration of His office before the throne of grace for us. As a result of His intervention and the blood of His sacrifice, we obtain mercy. Left to our own devices we would have no hope, but in Jesus we have a full confidence that He will procure mercy for us.

The words “in time of need” have no reference to the believer receiving all his carnal wants. If we leave these words in their context, it is understood that they were directed toward the times of burdensome temptations when the believer needs a measure of heavenly grace to overcome. Thus, when the believer finds himself under the pressure of sin’s enticements, he is urged to go with confidence to God, where Jesus will faithfully act as his personal mediator, and He will procure for the believer the measure of grace needed to triumph over the sin. The “time of need” is the moment when sin seeks to ensnare even the strongest of saints. It is that crucial instant in time when the Serpent’s hypnotic glare transforms into his venomous bite.

We must ever be on guard against the wiles of the Devil. Satan and his demons are forever on the hunt for the weak, the faltering, the faint, and the little ones who lag behind. Yet, in the midst of our weaknesses Jesus still cares, and with mercy and love He is quick to plead as our High Priest; and we know mercy and grace will come.