Hebrews 4:14-16 (NRSVUE)
Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Devotion
A novel I read recently had a scene where, through a misunderstanding, a young woman arrives at a dinner party to which she has not been invited. You can imagine the awkwardness that follows—there’s no place setting for her at the table, the hosts have run out of chairs and have to pull out an uncomfortable step stool, the food has to be divvied up in unplanned ways, the other guests are confused and unwelcoming, and the hosts are annoyed. The uninvited guest doesn’t know how to escape all this unpleasantness, so she soldiers on until the end of the dinner when she can slink off, mortified.
I think we’ve all been in situations where we feel awkward, where hospitality is lacking, either towards us or given by us. Ultimately, though, we sincerely want to make others feel welcome at our home tables, our Communion table, or any of our fellowship meals. Jesus has provided an example for us through those he included in his ministry and at his tables, so that we can carry out his hospitality no matter how awkward we sometimes feel. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Thankfully, through Christ who understands our weaknesses, we can work to expand our capacity for hospitality and increase our abilities to deal with awkwardness.
Prayer
Lord, we learn daily how to better reach out to others. We are grateful for the example you set through Jesus Christ. Help us to approach the throne of grace with boldness and accept your many gifts of mercy and grace.
Laura Jones