04.23. Finding Christ in the Shadows, the Shadows of
Finding Christ in the Shadows, the Shadows of Life
Hebrews 4:13-16 AUDIO http://www.exposingtheword.com/SHADOWS/MP3s%20Shadows/23%20Shadow-Shadows%20of%20Life.mp3
On our journey through the series Finding Christ in the Shadows we have seen a multitude of pictures that foretold of the coming Messiah. We have explored characters such as Adam as a type of Christ along with Samson, Joseph, Isaac, Jacob and Jonah. We saw animals that cast a shadow such as the scapegoat, the red heifer, the Passover lamb and the serpent lifted up. Along the way we explored the feast of Israel, manna as the bread of life, the vail of the temple that was rent, along with the rock of God’s provision for water and the cornerstone. This has been a list that has varied in many ways but that all spoke of the coming one, the Messiah. I know this has not exhausted the subject of the shadows of Christ in the Old Testament and many will be left unexplored. I trust that as you study the Word of God in your personal time, Sunday School or wherever in the future you will be more conscious of and identify a foreshadow as you come across them. After all, we have seen I wanted to close the series with a different type of sermon. One that will not have an object, person nor an animal as a foreshadow. I want us to look at what the title suggest for us, finding this one Who is revealed and in fact is the object of the total revelation of God, in those shadows we all encounter in life. I have chosen for our text Hebrews 4:13-16 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. 14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
I- Nothing Escapes His Eyes:
Hebrews 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. One of the attributes of God is that He is all seeing. Nothing escapes the glaze of the Master. Many times when Jesus walked on earth He would tells events that He had not seen but was still aware of to someone. One such was the calling of Nathanael. John 1:47-49 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! 48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. 49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. We see that the heartaches of life do not escape the ears of God. Notice when Isael cried from Egypt in Exodus 3:9 Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.
May I suggest that the ear of God is especially attentive when there is danger or trouble? As it says in Hebrews 4:16 c...in time of need. Once a great king visited a town to lay the foundation stone of a new hospital. Thousands of school children greeted him and sang for him. Soon after the king passed a group of children, a teacher saw a little girl crying. She asked, "Why are you crying? Did you not see the king?" The little girl sobbed out, "Yes, teacher, but the king did not see me." Beloved we need fear not that Christ does not see into the darkness and the shadows. The Psalmist said in Psalms 139:11-12 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. 12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
II- He is our High Priest in Heaven:
We send our ambassadors to represent our nations interest in the capitals of foreign lands. Many times they deliver a message to the president, king or head of state from our president. However, their access is limited. Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. The thing that gives us hope is that our High Priest is in constant contact with the Father. He sits on the right hand of God. Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. He need not get an appointment, need not fear of being misinterpreted nor misunderstood. He is our High Priest in Heaven.
III- He Experienced Life’s Heartaches:
Plato was right when he said that no one has a right to become a doctor who has always been healthy. Well beloved we know that Christ certainly qualifies to be our help in trouble and the shadows of life because He suffered and experienced life in the darkest hours. Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. What if a friend has betrayed you, Judas betrayed Christ. What is someone you counted on was found to not be dependable, remember Peter betrayed Christ. What is others just do not understand you, well certainly Christ was misunderstood. What if you are being unjustly accused, do I really need to remind us that Christ was innocent. He experience hunger, thirst, abandonment and all things in life. He did not even have a place to lay His head, in that sense he was homeless. He experience life’s heartaches and therefore I submit we can find Him in our shadows.
IV- We Can Come Boldly:
Hebrews 4:16 a Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace... "
Because we have been given permission to enter, permission to come boldly. Come with confidence that we will have an audience with the King. I read a story of a man hanging a pictures that illustrates for us why we can come boldly. It is because our hope, our foundation and faith is on solid ground in Christ Jesus. A short man wanted to drive a nail in a wall to carry a big picture. He stood on a chair, but it was not high enough. His wife set out a small box and, balancing himself precariously, he began to give the nail hesitating taps with the hammer. His wife said, "Why don’t you give a brave blow or two, and settle it?" He replied, "How can a man give a brave blow or two when he is standing on a foundation like this?" That settles the question of certainty or uncertainty. It depends upon the foundation upon which the person is standing. The Hebrew prophets never sounded a note of uncertainty, for God Almighty was their Foundation, and they knew that He stood behind their "Thus saith the Lord." Beloved we can step back and swing because our foundation is sure if it is anchored in Christ.
V- We will find grace and mercy:
Hebrews 4:16 b...unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace... When we are in the dark times we have seen Christ is there. What can we hope will be provided. Well most of us would want relief. Like Jerry Clower said, shoot up here among us one of us gotta have some relief. However we see that it is often not the case that relief is given but strength to make it through. We can expect to find mercy and grace. Remember Paul prayed for relief from his thorn in the flesh. Notice the reply from God. 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Beloved we can be certain of one thing, Christ walks with us in the shadows of life. The one who experienced heartache is the one who is the protection in the storm. He may not deliver us but will give strength, mercy and grace to endure. Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Beloved be looking in the shadows, the shadows of life because in them you will find Christ shining brightly.