Title: Nowhere to Run, Nowhere to Hide / Topic: Accountability

Today's Reading: Philemon 1; Hebrews 1; Hebrews 2; Hebrews 3; Hebrews 4

Scripture: Hebrews 4:12-16
12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Observation: I have nowhere to run and nowhere to hide. My thoughts, motives and actions are judged by the Word and known to God. And I will give an account to him for even the most secret attitudes I have had. That is a scary thought. But the solution is in verses 14-16. I have a high priest who has suffered through the same temptations as I have but he has done so without sinning, ever. He knows the way to victory. Not only has he provided for my forgiveness, he has also provided for grace to overcome sin and grow in holiness.

Application: I need not be afraid of standing before God with everything in my life laid bare before him if I stay close to my Redeemer and submit to the Spirit of grace. If I choose to rebel or ignore the warnings in the Word and refuse the help offered me by his grace then I should be afraid indeed.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the solution to all my dilemmas. Thank you for grace and mercy. Thank you for coming and suffering and rising victorious over sin so that I may share in your love and glory forever.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.