One of the most encouraging promises in the book of Hebrews is found in the little statement, “find grace to help in time of need” (4:16). The Lord Jesus had taught His disciples in John 15:5 that “without Me ye can do nothing” (i.e., not one thing). Paul reminded the Corinthian believers that we are not “sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God” (2 Cor. 3:5). So in the helplessness of a society trying to function without God or biblical principle in the home, church, or government, we are encouraged with the promise of Hebrews 4:16.
The writer says, “Let us,” implying we have a choice to come of our own volition. That is evidenced in our mid-week prayer meetings, isn’t it? When things are going well we rather easily let that meeting slip past our busy schedules, but if disaster strikes, then we’re quick to show up at the prayer meeting.
Secondly, the writer says we are to “come boldly,” the term meaning we are to be outspoken, frank, honest, specific. Since God is omniscient, He knows our situation anyway; He’s just waiting for us to admit our need, our helplessness, our dependence in His presence. No need for any cover-ups before Him.
Thirdly, our access is to “the throne of grace,” the ultimate resource for the believer. Why is it we turn so quickly to the agencies and counselors of the world’s ungodly systems for our help? We have a “merciful and faithful high priest,” One that is “able to help” (Heb. 2:17-18). We have “boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,” therefore, “Let us draw near”! (Heb. 10:19, 22).
What will we find to meet our need, our helplessness? Mercy and grace! We have already experienced His mercy and grace in salvation. We often sing, “Mercy there was great, and grace was free…At Calvary.” But His mercy and grace are our daily provision in this tumultuous scene as well. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (Ps. 23:6). Darby renders, “grace to help” as “seasonable help.” I take that to mean help for every particular situation and circumstance. G. Campbell Morgan states that help is “in the nick of time.” It is ours even in times of doubt and unbelief (another rendering of “time of need”).
This text is the last mention of help in the Bible. We find help first mentioned in Genesis 2:18, “And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” Just as a spouse is to be alongside for support and encouragement, so is the Saviour, our Heavenly Bridegroom, available to us. The saints in the local fellowship are to be involved, too. It’s the “bear ye one another’s burdens” principle mentioned in Galatians 6:2. We were not meant to try to cope with the vicissitudes of life by ourselves. “He setteth the solitary in families”–including the local assembly (Ps. 68:6); and we have the promise of the Saviour Himself, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb. 13:5).
Acts 27 records the voyage of Paul across the Mediterranean enroute to Rome. He was sailing in a “tempestuous wind.” At one point, “they used helps undergirding the ship” (v. 17). It is the same Greek word used in our text in Hebrews 4–ropes or chains for aid or assistance. Christian, that’s the work of the Holy Spirit in each of us. He ties together all the loose ends in our lives enabling us to safely make it to home port in spite of the storm.
Be encouraged today, with the words of the Psalmist who mentions help more than forty times in his writings. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (46:1). “Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (124:8).