"A SYMPATHETIC SAVIOR" -- Monday:
"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." (Hebrews 4:15)
It is possible to have a representative that is NOT sympathetic with us -- one who is merely carrying out a duty, or obligation. Here is an aspect of salvation that those under the bondage of a legal code do not consider. If our association with God is based purely upon a system of Law, then Christ's association with us, of necessity, is also on the same basis. If we are saved by adherence to a law, then Christ's intercession must also be on the basis. Otherwise, there is a variance among the Godhead.
Is there any so foolish as to assume Jesus intercedes for us only because God told Him to do so? Has He no genuine interest in our situation, our impediments, or the jeopardy in which we find ourselves? A resounding "NO!" must be shouted to all of these questions. Does anyone imagine Jesus comes to the Father to assure Him we have kept every jot and tittle of the Law?
The economy of salvation is one in which intense interest is experienced by all concerned. The Father is acutely interested in saving us. The Son is profoundly devoted to our salvation. The Holy Spirit is deeply committed to us completing the race. The angels of God are devoted to helping us run this race. Believers themselves are preoccupied with their quest for glory and the will of the Lord. Law could never accomplish unanimity between God and men in these matters! Our text states this remarkably sensitive picture in glowing words.
The verse is stated in a peculiar manner. Ordinarily we would say, "We have a High Priest who CAN be touched [or that can sympathize] with our infirmities [or weaknesses]." The Spirit, however, states what we do NOT have a High Priest who CANNOT be touched with such feelings -- and that for a reason.
He is undermining the notion that men can be justified by Law -- that men can come to God upon the basis of procedure, or regimentation. Such a view, altogether too common in our day, does not see Christ as a sympathetic or merciful, faithful, and sensitive High Priest.
Under a strict system of law, exactness of procedure is perceived as superior to the heart of the Savior. This is a heartless and devastating view that will not allow those embracing it to make much progress toward the Lord. Remember, closeness to the Lord IS the point! To come into His presence, consciously and confidently, is the heart of the matter. This will never be achieved by following a set of rules, however true and valuable they may be.
Some will object that being close to the Lord is not the whole of the matter. They imagine that such a view fosters sin, and does not necessitate holiness. But that is a completely wrong conclusion, for sin becomes repulsive in the presence of the Lord, and holiness becomes attractive.
To "hold fast the profession of your faith," you must know more of Christ's attitude toward you than of your ability to reach Him. You DO NOT have a High Priest that is unaffected by your condition! Men are often tempted to think, however, that this is not the case. It has grown fashionable in our heathenistic culture to question God. "If God loves me, why am I going through these trials?" "Where is God when I need Him?" "Why are these things happening to me?" . . . etc. These are all foolish questions, unworthy to be embraced or answered! They suppose Christ is NOT "touched with the feeling of our infirmities." Such imaginations are evidences of unbelief, and are to be abandoned with haste and immediacy!
Notice how precisely this is stated! Jesus is not touched with the infirmities, or weaknesses, themselves, but with the "FEELING" of them (KJV, ASV)! The Spirit is showing us our Great High Priest is aggressive to DO SOMETHING about our situation -- He is AFFECTED, or "touched" by it. Our great High Priest, Jesus the Son of God, is fully willing and able to empower us to be superior to the wretched "feelings" we experience. He knows our weaknesses have an impact upon us. We are not satisfied with such feelings. Jesus is touched by that situation, and will see to it that we receive grace required for survival and victory. You can believe that. Praise God!
PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus Christ, I thank You for a High Priest who so appropriately meets my needs.