For in that he himself has suffered, being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. Hebrews 2:18. For we have not a 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. Hebrews 4:13.
To have this High-Priest and Saviour, is to believe in him, though in weakness and trembling. The sensible, sweet, and full assurance of his indwelling, proceeds from the sealing of the Spirit, which follows afterwards, and is not always experienced in a state of darkness and temptation. But the Lord disowns us not for wanting it, but graciously bears with our infirmities.
With joy we meditate the grace
Of our High Priest above,
His heart is made of tenderness,
His bowels melt with love.
Touched with a sympathy within,
He knows our feeble frame,
He knows what sore temptations mean,
For he has felt the same.
He in the days of feeble flesh
Poured out his cries and tears,
And in a measure feels afresh
What every member bears.
Then let our humble faith address
His mercy and his power,
We shall obtain delivering grace
In the distressing hour.