tions; bereavement. Grief, sickness, bereavement — all three of these in firmities came to Job. Although he was sustained in his trial he had no sense of sympathy, and this was the thing that so greatly distressed him (Job 16:1-2). Today, however, we are assured that our great high Priest now in the heavens is touched with the feeling of our infirmities and that He comforts those that mourn. In verse 16 we are exhorted to come to Him, “Let us come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” This is the method by which we may experimentally realize the in finite treasure which is thus within our reach. The congregation of old was com manded to stand afar off. We are now commanded to draw near. What only the high priest of Israel could do once a year, each Christian may do every moment of his or her earthly life. While Israel’s representative was si lent in the presence of God, we are invited to come with “freedom of ut terance,” for that is the means of the word translated “boldly.” The last phrase in verse 16—“in time of need”—would be more cor rectly translated “grave for timely help.” We have a High Priest who watches with tender care all who come to God by Him, and with Him there is grace to keep us in the hour of temptation, to keep us from falling, and to preserve us blameless; it is this grace that we obtain at the throne of grace. There is also, thank God, grace to help in time of need. Henderson: “He can bind up the wounds and make the bones that are broken to rejoice, and His grace will never fail; but the friendly hand at the head of the cliff is better than the doctor at the foot of it. Prevention is better than cure. ‘Grace for timely help’ is preferable to ‘help in time of need.’ ” “Let there be no want of confidence, then, between your Lord and you. Tell Him of the trouble at home, of your anxiety, your perplexity and the bit terness that only your heart knows. You will not weary Him, for He loves
Biola leaders together for Alumni dinner. From left to right. Dr. S. H. Sutherland, Dr. L. T. Talbot, Mrs. Sutherland, and Mrs. Ttalbot. you too well for that. He wants you to wait upon Him. Try this; He will not fail you. And as the truest and strongest friendships are those which are formed in times of trial and sor row, so will your friendship with the Lord Jesus deepen and strengthen with the passing of the years.” Qualifications for Priesthood We now examine the Scripture which speaks of the qualifications that were essential in those who would represent others before God; and we see how completely they are realized in Christ. (1) The high priest of Is rael was taken from among men (Exodus 28:1); that is to say he was human (verse 1). (2) He must also be sympathetic. Recognizing his own infirmities he would deal gently with the ignorant and erring; his actions would be characterized and guided by compassion (verses 2, 3). (3) He must be called to the sacred office by God Himself (verse 4). The essentials, therefore, were humanity, sympathy and authority. These qualifications were perfectly realized in C h r i s t (verses 5-10). He was divinely appointed (verses 5-6). Although, because of His sin lessness, He could at any time ap proach God for Himself, He waited His Father’s appointment that He might do so on behalf of others. He was appointed by God; and according to the a po s t o l i c interpretation of Psalm 2:7, the appointment was made after He rose from the dead (Acts 13:33, Romans 1:4). He is a priest after the order of Melchisedec; be- 31
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