Hebrews 4:14-15

We have a friend in a very high place. It’s good to have a friend in high places who can speak up for us, and help us when we go through personal difficulties. Things which are impossible for us to achieve are made possible with a friend in a high place.

The Hebrews obstinately ignored God in the wilderness. Many never entered God’s rest. Yet God’s rest still stands today – rest from labour, but ultimately rest from judgement – eternal rest, to enter, through the sacrifice of our high priest, Jesus Christ.

A great high priest: we have many needs which many do not know about. We have one who helps us in our times of need (Hebrews 4:16). What’s been offered to us is the offer of help. Lots of us think we don’t need help. Far too many try to cope alone. We all need help. We fool ourselves into thinking we’re fine.

There’s a specific need addressed here – the matter of belief and unbelief. This is where we need most help. It’s important for us to focus on the need of all needs, the matter of belief. All else is a distraction. Belief changes everything. Do you believe in the creator God? If you do, it changes everything. Do you believe that you can do nothing on your own? Do you believe that God sent His Son Jesus into this world as the revelation of who God is? If you do, it changes everything. Do you believe Jesus is almighty God, sinless and pure, who died at the hands of sinners? It changes everything. If you believe you should be the happiest of all because Jesus died for sinners. He chose that path. It was planned. Our God is alive, He has risen from the grace, His name is victory. It changes everything.

What gets in the way of belief? Our circumstances, career, hurt and pains that won’t go away, being fearful of the future. All of this gets in the way. Faith puts God between us and our challenges. We have a great and victorious high priest. Focus on Him, not on your circumstances.

Why is He great?
He is the priest who passed through the heavens, not an earthly temple. He blasted into space and time and is now sat down next to God in heaven. He passed through the heavens.

He has made the perfect sacrifice, the Lamb without blemish. Who would dare say no to Jesus? Heaven’s justice, the finest court from where all other courts get their ideas from.

He is filled with the fullness of God.

He is great because He is the Son of God. He is your help in time of need. His priestly work on earth was finished. In the Old Testament, animals were slaughtered; the sins of the people were laid on animals day by day, non-stop sacrifices, the priests sacrificing daily. Animal sacrifice could never be enough. Jesus sacrificed His own life, once and for all. It was finished, then Jesus could sit down next to the Father because it was finished. Do you believe in this great High Priest? Are you trusting in Him?

He is a sympathetic high priest. Our Saviour’s coming to earth means He knows what it’s like to be fallen. He knows. As Jesus returned to heaven His humanity is not diminished at all. He has experienced our weaknesses. He knows. It is important we know He is great but also that we know He is sympathetic. He was tempted. Life is a test. Jesus was tested. In order for Jesus to qualify as our Redeemer He had to be tested. He passed the test! He trusted His heavenly Father. Our High Priest is our friend who knows how hard it is for us. We need to ask for the help of the one who can help.

Our Sanctuary: our King is the polar opposite of all earthy kings. If ever there was a king we should fear it is this holy king. His requirement for our life is perfection. How can we approach Him? As sinners we should be afraid. But Jesus made the perfect priestly sacrifice for us.

The devil and his minions are fantastic videographers, capturing our words and thoughts. They love to capture footage of our sin. The devil hounds us at times, he glories in causing heartache, he is a giant over past events. We are often living in the past. Did you know Jesus takes this video footage and erases it? Everything is bank. We are sons of God. The devil has nothing against us. We can come boldly into the throne of God and claim the crown. He has done it all. You must come boldly; your guilt will hold you back from coming into His presence.

Sometimes we need more grace when facing trials. You need to know you can find help in time of need. Your greatest need is to believe in the cross, that God loves you, that God has a place for you. We’re called to come to the throne of grace. Your friend in the highest place is there waiting for you. Some Christians are surrounded by trouble. Lift up your eyes to heaven – that’s where your help will come from. Our great high priest is in heaven interceding for us. He won’t let you down. Keep looking up.