Devotion 
The Great High Priest
Frances Taylor 

Have you ever wondered about facing judgment at the time of your death? It can be difficult to even think about death, let alone being judged. Is there any one of us who wants to think about an alternative to being welcomed into heaven? If so, this passage from the letter to the Hebrews can give us hope. Jesus came to win salvation for us but gave us so much more. First, he gave us an example of what it is to live a fully human life, a life of love, forgiveness and compassion, a life of obedience and fidelity. He also gave us the gift of freedom from fear of God and a new image of a God who wants to be thought of as "Daddy." Jesus, our great high priest, will be the one who can understand what it means to be human with all the struggles, the fears, the challenges and the weaknesses present in our lives. Hebrews tells us that the Word of God is like a two-edged sword that divides us, opening us up and exposing our goodness as well as those less savory aspects of our lives. We are so grateful that Jesus understands us. Going back to the first question in this reflection, I like to think that I am doing God's will, that my good deeds will outweigh the not so good. But I know I can't be sure. And I feel blessed that Jesus knows me so well and can testify on my behalf when the time comes.

Prayer 

Compassionate and forgiving God, I ask you to keep me on the right path and when I fail, to forgive my weakness and lead me home. Amen.