HELP IN TIME OF NEED
“For we have not a 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 therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4: 15, 16
Jesus knows what we are going through. He is aware because He is the Omniscient God, but He also knows because He walked this earth as Emmanuel, God with us. Our Savior came to this earth to offer Himself as a sacrifice for our sins and the sins of the whole world. In doing so, He experienced and endured every imaginable temptation and trial, and He did it without ever sinning. He was the perfect sacrifice, the Lamb without spot or blemish.
Because we know that He personally went through so much, we can know that He empathizes with what we go through in this life. All of us have heard someone say, “I know how you feel,” and we have thought to ourselves, “How can you possibly know how I feel?” Sometimes we try to tell someone about our problems, and it becomes apparent that they cannot relate to our difficulties. Jesus is different. He is touched with the feelings of our weaknesses and our struggles. He has been where we are. He understands, and we know that He cares.
Because He knows what we are facing, we can confidently come to Him in prayer. We can “come boldly unto the throne of grace.” Jesus understands when no one else understands. We need not wonder or doubt if our Lord is there for us when we need Him. When we are tempted or lonely, He understands. When we face persecution and betrayal, there is Someone who knows the heartache and feels the pain. It is so comforting when a friend or family member can sympathize with us when we are going through tough times.
Most of us would have to admit that there are times when we need a friend, and we fail to turn to our most understanding Friend. All of us experience those situations when we desperately need help. We need to know that someone cares, understands, will listen, and can help us. Jesus is such a Friend. He is there with mercy and grace. We will never be without our faithful and compassionate Companion and Counselor. All those who know the Lord Jesus can “find grace to help in time of need.”