This morning I was reading in Hebrews, one of my favorite books, and I reread those verses that I share with you so often.
“ Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! 16 So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:15-16 CEV
Come bravely, or boldly, before the throne!
In days of old, the only way a subject was allowed to come before the throne of the king was by invitation or summons. Even their own families were taught not to enter without first being granted access.
As I read these verses, I was impacted again with the absolute freedom that we have been given to come to the Father’s throne without fear. Confidently we come, knowing that we will find help and be treated with kindness. Amazing!
I did a search to find an image of a palace with an open door to use as today’s illustration. Do you know how hard that is to find? The picture I used isn’t a palace, it’s a cathedral. Even today, palaces just don’t have open doors. They are secure areas, special clearance is needed and very few actually receive an audience with the king or ruler.
We have open access to the King of kings and Lord of lords.
And again, it’s not just access to Him; we have favor with Him, He holds us in His heart and is always willing to provide us with help.
“When you pray, don’t talk on and on as people do who don’t know God. They think God likes to hear long prayers. 8 Don’t be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask.
9 You should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, help us to honor your name…” Matthew 6:7-9 CEV
These are the words that Jesus spoke when he was teaching his disciples to pray. He wanted them to understand that when they talked to God, prayed, they weren’t talking to someone they didn’t now. They were talking to their Father, a loving, tender-hearted, kind and compassionate Father; their Father who knew what they need before they came and had already planned to help.
My heart is overflowing with gratitude and love because of my Father’s kindness and grace. This morning I sat here in my chair, coffee in hand and I began to tell Him how much I love Him. I started listing all the reasons I have for loving Him and then I stopped abruptly. I wasn’t through with my list of His wonderful blessings…I was completely overwhelmed by His unconditional love.
Sometimes I see myself, as a little child, running through the throne room doors, straight up to the Father’s throne. When I get there I throw my arms around his neck, give Him a big kiss, tell Him how much I love Him, climb down from His lap and go on about my day. I know He likes that!
Jesus showed us that side of the Father when he took time to interact with the little children.
“ Then the people brought their little children to Jesus so that he could lay his hands on them to bless them and pray for them. When the followers saw this, they told the people to stop bringing their children to him. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because God’s kingdom belongs to people who are like these children.” 15 After Jesus blessed the children, he left there.” Matthew 19:13-15 CEV
This is an example for us. The Father wants us to come as little children. Children filled with innocence, confidence and total abandon, trusting completely in Him. I’m here to give testimony, the Father’s throne room door is always open to His kids.
Come on in! He’s waiting just for us with open arms!