Come Boldly to the Throne
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy
and find grace to help in time of need.”
Hebrews 4:16
To come to the throne of grace with boldness is an expression of expectation that believers will engage in pray. Jesus not only secured our salvation but also paved the way for a direct relationship with God. The removal of the veil in the temple symbolizes the elimination of separation between us and God. The veil has been torn from top to bottom that we might have access to Father God in our time of need.
Jesus is our intercessor, sitting at the right hand of the Father, and we are encouraged to draw near to Him in confidence. The idea of a “throne of grace” is complicated. In biblical and ancient times, thrones symbolized authority and judgment and were usually off-limits to almost everyone. Approaching without an invitation could lead to severe consequences, even death if the king didn’t extend his scepter. It’s a significant contrast that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords not only welcomes but actively encourages us to draw near His throne.
We are needy people. There is nothing we can do apart from God. He causes us to have breath in our bodies and soundness of mind. If we realized how needy we are, we would pray more often. Unfortunately, we try to get advice from everybody else or try to handle things on our own before we go to God. This verse does not tell us to go to our pastors, priests, neighbors, or friends. It tells us to draw near so that we can receive the help we need. We always need help from God.
God will not scold us for needing His help. Unlike others, He will not remind us of the number of times we have come to Him requesting His help. When we sin or miss the mark, we might feel as though we should run from God so we can avoid His reaction. Nothing could be further from the truth. God has a tenderness toward us, and He wants us to repent and allow Him to begin the healing and repairing process in our lives.
Like a loving parent, God is sympathetic to our wounds, whether self-inflicted or not. He knows that sin can bring misery, which is why He offers us mercy. His grace is God’s undeserved and unearned favor as He freely forgives sin, which rightfully deserves punishment. This is why we need God’s mercy and grace every single day!
We cannot be timid or cowardly in coming to God, no matter what life throws in our direction. We cannot come resting on our own merits because our righteousness is like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Our confidence is founded on Christ alone and what He has done for us. If you are not approaching the throne of grace in your time of need, you may feel as though you are not receiving what you desire from God. Before He gives us the material things, we need mercy and grace. God gives them both freely and in abundance.
Reflection: Are you boldly approaching the throne of grace to receive help in your time of need? If not, what is keeping you from doing so? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you in this area.
Prayer: Father, I accept Your invitation to come boldly to Your throne of grace. I can come to You with anything to get the help I need at any time. I do not have to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders because I can cast all my cares on You. Thank You for the mercy and grace that stream from Your throne and never run out. Teach me to be as merciful and gracious to others as You have been to me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Upcoming Connect 21 Events
- Prayer Masterclass, Wednesday, Jan 17th via YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@linkedupnorth)
- Saturday Morning Prayer (Jan 20th @ 9 am at The Way Woodstock 109 Towne Lake Pkwy, Woodstock GA)
- Sunday Morning Service (Jan 21st @ 10 am at River Ridge High School)