Monday 12 October 2026

Psalm 142

Background
Our weekday readings this month come from the letter to the Hebrews. Actually the term 'letter' is misleading. There are none of the normal greetings we would expect in an ancient letter. Nor does the author tell us who he is. Hebrews is more like a motivational speech. It is addressed primarily to a Jewish Christian community and uses both the Hebrew Scriptures and the worship of the Temple to encourage the members of the community to remain steadfast in their Christian commitment.

Today’s short passage is one of the most important in the letter. The role of the high priest within Temple Judaism was uniquely to represent the people before God. He did so by entering the very holiest part of the Temple, where others were forbidden to go. He was understood to be getting as close to God as it was possible for any human to go. In the time of Jesus, the high priest was also politically very powerful and highly protective of his position. As a result there could be a considerable distance between priest and people.

Today’s passage encourages us to think of Jesus as high priest ‘par excellence’. Jesus was not just approaching God in a man-made building. Jesus was in God’s very presence. But because Jesus was human and had undergone the struggles that face all humanity he understood and could represent us far more effectively than any priest in the Jerusalem Temple. So when we pray to God and seek to be honest before God, we are met with one who understands us and welcomes us in mercy and in grace.

To Ponder:

• Charles Wesley, amazed by the love of God which reaches out to each of us, echoes the encouragement of verse 16 in his line “Bold I approach the eternal throne”. How do you respond to this thought?
• What are we implying when we pray 'through Jesus Christ'?

Prayer
“Then let our humble faith address His mercy and His power:
We shall obtain delivering grace in the distressing hour.” (Isaac Watts)

Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Donald Ker
Donald Ker is a supernumerary minister, originally from Ireland where he served in a number of different appointments. He now lives in Solihull on the Birmingham Circuit.