Today’s Bible Reading:
2 Kings 22
Hebrews 4
Joel 1
Psalms 140-141
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Hebrews 4:16 (CSB): “Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
The verse I’ve chosen for today is very encouraging! We are told that we can approach God’s throne and get what we need.
But there’s some very helpful information that comes before that promise. That’s why we see the word, “therefore,” that begins verse 16.
So let’s spend a few moments better understanding why and how we can get the things from God that we need. (I know that verse 14 also begins with “therefore” but if we keep following ALL of the “therefores,” this article will soon become a book.)
Hebrews 4:14-16 (CSB): “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.”
Verse 14 tells us that we have “a great high priest.” Who is that? Jesus! He is the one who entered the Holy of Holies (Heaven) on our behalf where He has secured our forgiveness and salvation.
Verse 15 tells us that our high priest was tempted like us so he is able “to sympathize with our weaknesses.” That just means that Jesus became a man so that, among many other things, He would know experientially what it’s like to be in our shoes (except without sin). So, when we call out to Him, He knows experientially what it is like to live in a body on planet earth. He understands us because He’s “been there done that.”
So, based upon the truths of Hebrews 4:14-15, we are told that we can step into Heaven’s throne room (via prayer) and do so with confidence. We don’t have to cower in fear because Jesus, our friend, Savior, and advocate is there in that throne room. Through His death, and because we have placed our faith in Him to forgive and save us, we are fitted for that throne room. Our Heavenly Father and our Elder Brother are there so why should we fear?
What do we get in that throne room as a result of prayer? Grace and mercy! If we were to differentiate between these two, they would be defined as follows:
- Grace: freely receiving good things that we didn’t earn and don’t deserve.
- Mercy: not receiving bad things that we earned and deserved.
So, for instance, if I ask the Lord for a particular job and He gives it to me, that’s grace. If I have broken one of God’s laws, I deserve His discipline, but He forgives me and doesn’t give me consequences, that’s mercy.
Grace and mercy are two things that essentially include anything and everything we could ever possibly ask for in prayer. Our verse for today tells us that we can boldly ask for things that we need because Jesus stands ready to give them to us, whether it be an act of mercy or grace.
Now, we realize that God doesn’t answer every prayer. My prayer journal contains a record of specific prayer requests that God answered. But, there are many others things that didn’t get answered, at least not yet.
And that is where we trust Jesus. We realize that He knows more than us. In fact, we’re convinced that if we knew what He knows, we would do what He has done.
So, because of who Jesus is and what He has done for you and me, let’s go to the Lord in prayer, asking to receive grace and mercy. Do so boldly. Leave the results to Him.
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Lord Jesus, thank You so much for Your gift of grace. You have lavished upon me so many blessings and so many truths that would have never been mine to rightfully claim. Help me to recognize Your acts of grace and mercy and thank You for them. Help me to pray boldly because there are so many needs around me. And I trust You with how you choose to answer. I pray this in Your Name. Amen.
Matt’s Musings 