Hi
With all we face nowadays, I’m drawn to the old hymn, ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus’, which assures us that we have access to God in the rough moments. Amid the Coronavirus concerns, violence against humanity, climate change and election drama, I commend to us the hymn and also today’s Holy Nougat
“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16 NLT
It’s kinda weird isn’t it? We’re called to ‘fear’ God; yet here we’re instructed to approach God’s throne, the Holy of Holies, with boldness. But then, in that regard, much about our relationship with the Most High God is kinda weird.
The thing is, fearing God is more about recognizing Who God is; and responding. I suspect that when the fullness of God’s glory, power and awesomeness connects fully with us; we will find ourselves like Isaiah and Peter – on our knees without even being instructed to do so. (And that’s where the proclamation that EVERY knee will bow comes in.)
In the midst of fear and worship however, there’s also the element of relationship. And that comes with accessibility and openness which accounts for our boldness. When we KNOW who we are and Whose we are in Christ, we realize that we have access to God because of Christ.
Consider needing monies to purchase a house or to start a business. For some of us, we have to prayerfully ponder whether we should go to the bank. But, if we are solid customers, have the desired funds or collateral or have an ‘in’ with key bank staff; we approach the bank with confidence. For we know our request is sure.
Christ is the collateral and God’s Spirit grants us access. We have automatic access to God’s throne and are free to be honest (open) about our needs.
Do we have the collateral? Is our relationship with Jesus Christ on the level? For if it is, then fear which is not worshipful is unnecessary – we definitely CAN approach God’s presence with confidence. And there; we SHALL experience mercy and grace to carry us through.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
