SCRIPTURE: Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16 NIV
THOUGHT: Something big happened at the cross that we may not think about often enough. When Jesus died, the sin of all the world past, present and future was swallowed up, instantly. Gone, as far as the east is from the west. We might be relieved, but imagine the relief of God. What a burden all that sin before him must have been – a block to the kind of relationship he wanted with humans from the beginning. But the moment the curtain in the temple tore – from top to bottom, signifying that no human had done it – the door to the throne room could open again and we could enter confidently because of the perfect sacrifice of Christ.
This verse gives us a hint at the Father’s intent toward us (which I wrote about Monday): his aim is relationship, companionship, hospitality. The throne room is the seat of power, of decision-making, of awe and holiness and grace and mercy. We are welcome there, not looked at skeptically, the way the world has taught us to eye each other. Thus the writer of Hebrew’s advice: Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Full access to God is a gift of the cross. Yes, we still sin, and yes, we still must own that, and go in repentance through Christ into God’s presence. But provision has been made. Very good news for us – and for a God who wants to be present to us.
PRAYER: Thank you, Jesus, for opening to us full access to the throne room, where the God of mercy and grace reigns. We may approach confidently, but it surely isn’t on our own merit.
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Blogger Amy Clemens is the author of Walking When You’d Rather Fly: Meditations on Faith After the Fall. In it she explores childhood sexual abuse and how it impacted her faith (or lack thereof) for four decades. You’ll find not only her story, but better yet, the Big Story of God.
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