Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 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 therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
- Hebrews 4.14-16, AV
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The language of Hebrews 4.14-16 as rendered in the Authorized Version is matchless; "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities..." Jesus has such empathy with us, understands our fears, struggles, temptations, and desires. He understands and forgives when we are not our best self. When Martin Luther said, "Sin, and sin boldly," he was not saying that we should have a license to sin; he was encouraging us to lay hold of the grace of God. God in Christ will always forgive and restore us time and time again. Why would we doubt this about the same Christ who taught us that we should forgive our brother and sister 490 times in a day (Matthew 18:22)?
In the English Book of Common Prayer, this quality of Christ is beautifully described in the Prayer of Humble Access, which is recited before receiving Holy Communion:
"WE do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy Table. But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy: Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his body, and our souls washed through his most precious blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen."
"But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy."
What a beautiful description of the Lord's character toward us.
One of the ways we best experience this mercy, love and forgiveness of God is in the Holy Communion:
And the dance flows on
Everything flows toward the rim of that
Shining cup
Through these channels/words
I want to touch you
Touch you deep down
Where you live
Not for power but
Because I love you
So
Love the Lord
And in Him love me too
And in Him go your way
And I'll be right there with you
- No Footprints, by Bruce Cockburn
My friend, never fear to turn to the Lord for mercy and forgiveness; never fear to come to Him when you have failed. Never fear to ask him for wisdom and guidance when you have made a mess of your life, for He will give you wisdom without finding fault (James 1.5). Never be afraid to approach the Lord's table when you have failed, just examine yourself (1 Cor 11.28). His blood was shed for you!
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