Why we have HOPE: our High Priest

A wonderful Truth flooded me the other night as I was praying with a woman (let’s call her Lynn) whose situation in life seemed absolutely hopeless.

I met Lynn after a concert and for over an hour, tears wouldn’t stop pouring out of what seemed like a bottomless storage of pain inside of her.  Because of my specific family background and experiences, I had understanding of some of her pain and brokenness, and began to pray over her…

…but I’ll be honest. My prayers to Almighty God were clouded by feelings of desperation rather than hope.

…until the Holy Spirit interrupted my doubting prayers with this assurance:

“I endured all of the same suffering.  I understand.”   And I remembered Jesus.

 Jesus, who…

“had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful High Priest in all things pertaining to God, for since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted…” (Hebrews 2:18)

Jesus, who…

“can sympathize with our weakness, who was tempted in all things and yet without sin, so that we can draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we can receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need…” (Heb 4:15-16)

Jesus, who as a High Priest…

“can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided, since he Himself is also subject to weakness…” (Heb 5:2)

And all of a sudden, a fresh shower of hope for Lynn fell down and filled my prayers, as I believed that Jesus had really suffered the same things, had endured them, had conquered them, and was now on her side, fighting as her Advocate with mercy and help.

In that moment, I really believed that she didn’t have to lose the battle.

All those Scriptures I just mentioned are promises referred to as “hope”… and Hebrews 6:18 goes on to explain that

“…this hope is an anchor of the soul, a hope sure and steadfast, and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever!…”

This kind of hope- a hope that believes all is not lost even when it seems like it- pushes through the outer foyer of the temple into the very Holy of Holies, up to the very mercy seat of God, because it’s a hope that believes that Jesus has gone through it already.

One of Satan’s great schemes is to convince us we’re alone in our suffering.  I don’t know why he tries so hard to convince us of that lie, but he does.  Maybe it’s because he wants to demolish this “hope” of Hebrews… the hope that calls upon a High Priest.  His lie contradicts the truth, though.

The truth:  Whatever you are suffering through- from a broken heart over something in your marriage, to temptations toward the darkest evil, to a stubbed toe or day of hormonally imbalanced emotions, Jesus has already suffered what we’re suffering (and ENDURED!), has already entered the Holy of Holies before us, gone straight to the mercy seat of God, and is interceding to God on our behalf!  

You are NOT alone, contrary to Satan’s lies! You are NOT left without hope!  Next time you’re crying out to God amidst suffering, don’t forget to remember Jesus, your Faithful High Priest. 

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