|
Before the throne of God aboveDeepening our appreciationBEFORE THE THRONE OF GOD ABOVE Many Christians have battled at some time with the deeper doctrines of the Letter to the Hebrews. Perhaps we have struggled to understand the significance of Melchizedek? We want to marry the great truths of One whose redemptive work is finished and yet ever lives to intercede for us before the Father's throne . Michael Plant masterfully explains the dominant theme Hebrews reveals to us regarding Jesus, our heavenly High Priest. This book is warmly pastoral in style; for our struggles as Christians are not simply doctrinal. The author refers to C.S. Lewis's book A grief observed about the death of his beloved wife (p.42) where we are moved by Lewis's sense of desertion and his search for answers to unanswerable questions in the darkness of his sorrow. Michael Plant wonderfully illustrates to the reader the rich comfort in the midst of our most painful trials that results from a practical knowledge of a Saviour who is also our sympathetic High Priest. Each aspect of Jesus's High Priestly role, as outlined in the book of Hebrews, is thoroughly examined. Christ's appointment by God to this role, his ability to sympathise and his High Priestly tasks of offering and intercession are simply yet profoundly expounded for us. The book of Hebrews was written in order that beleaguered Christians might regain the confidence of their faith in the midst of fiery persecution and trials. The question C.S. Lewis asked so pertinently, 'Where is God when I am hurting', and the equally searching question posed by Michael Plant: 'How can Jesus understand my problems if he is God?', are both well answered in the teaching of this helpful book. To quote from the closing words of the final chapter: 'Many Christians are struggling not because they are turning in heart from the gospel but because they fail to understand the full riches of the gospel'. Before the throne of God above will deepen your appreciation of these riches as you consider Jesus, our heavenly High Priest. Ruth Williams, © Evangelicals Now - September 2004 |