February 26, 2018 - - Hebrews 4:14-16 Meeting Jesus at His throne of grace
/14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 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.
Hebrews 4 ESV
Pastor Stephen Richardson in his sermon yesterday gave four wonderful, helpful pointers which unpack these verses.
First we have confidence or boldness to approach the throne of grace; the accomplished work of Jesus Christ means the way is open to ask of Him.
Second it is a throne of grace and Jesus the King has the power to do all we ask. He will deal royally with His people. Do we confidently, boldly pray for evil to be overthrown and for His kingdom to increase?
Third. it is a throne of grace. We find exactly what we sinful people, don't deserve. We deserve judgement and hell. At this throne we receive forgiveness and help.
Fourth at this throne of grace we can expect to bring our fears, our failures, our missed opportunities and ask forgiveness. Beg for His help. Call on Him and learn Who He is. It is the throne of grace, not of spirituality, not of judgement. It is the throne of grace where the unqualified and the hopeless find He saves to the uttermost.
It is the proof of our depravity that we have such a throne opened to us and we must be urged to kneel, to pray. We have free access to God through the accomplished work of Jesus Christ, given us by the Spirit: pray boldly.
Jesus, help me overcome my unbelief. Jesus give me the faith I need so that my prayers will be bolder, and the times of prayer rich and steady. I know I am weak. Yes, I am sinful in ways I haven't even considered. But I believe Your Word, and at this throne of grace I ask: save me to the uttermost. At this throne of grace teach me to pray, to delight, to expect. You are God and I am not, let me find my strength and my song in You. Amen.
