“He is able to succor them that are tempted”

Hebrews 2:18

 

What a sweet word this is! God, the Holy Spirit here declares that Christ, our great High Priest in heaven, is able to succor his tempted people.

 

A Priest in Heaven

 

The Lord Jesus Christ ever lives to make effectual intercession for us (Heb. 7:24-25). Believing sinners come to God by him, by faith in him and by the infinite merit of his blood and righteousness. Because he lives forever, our Savior’s priesthood is unchangeable. Because he lives forever, he is able to save to the uttermost all who come to God by him. Here is a Priest who is able to save and able to help!

 

Our Lord’s presence in heaven is a perpetual and just intercession for the people he represents. His plea before God is his blood; and his plea is effectual. On the basis of his one sacrifice for sin, our great High Priest perpetually asks three things for his people, three things which cannot be denied him: (1.) The salvation of those sinners for whom his blood was shed at Calvary. (2.) The non-imputation of sin to his weak, helpless, sinful people. (3.) The everlasting glorification of all his own. Child of God, read the 17th chapter of John’s gospel, and rejoice in the on-going, perpetual intercession of your Advocate and great High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

A Help In Time Of Need

 

The Son of God, our great Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, is our Help and our Shield. He helps us in time of need by meeting our needs. He promises, in every time of trial and temptation that he will be with us, that he will help us, and that he will deliver us.(Isa. 43:1-5; 1 Cor. 10:13). He gives us strength to withstand the tempter’s power. He gives us consolation in the midst of trial. He who has sacrificed people and nations for our souls’ good will not fail to deliver us from, all evil the time appointed.

 

A Blessing Bestowed

 

                Our great High Priest Christ helps us by effectually conferring upon us and communicating to us the blessings of his grace, based upon his sacrifice for sin (Num. 6:24-26). Aaron pointed to the blood upon the mercy-seat; but Christ points us to his own blood and to himself (the true Passover and true Mercy-Seat), and speaks words of comfort to our hearts, assuring us of his acceptance as our Priest and our acceptance with God in him.

 

A Throne to Supplicate

 

It is the privilege and responsibility of those who are tempted to call upon Christ for help and relief. The word “succor” implies a call for help. It is help for those who call. Do you need help? Does it seem that Satan has you in his grasp? Are you tempted and tried? Are you weak and helpless? Christ is a great High Priest for men and women like you. He bids you to call upon him in time of need, and promises help to all who do (Heb. 4:15-16).