Today

There was a time when a sinful man could not come near to God. The holiest place was behind a veil, and only the high priest went in, and only once a year. Yet Hebrews 4 ends with an invitation that would have amazed any Israelite: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace.”

Boldly. Not fearfully, not hoping we have done enough to be let in. Boldly, because of who our High Priest is. I have to admit I still come to prayer some mornings as if I had to earn my way in. This verse corrects me. The verse before explains it. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”

Jesus knows what it is to be tired, to be tempted, to be grieved. He felt it all and never sinned once. So when I come to Him weak, He is not surprised, and He is not put off. He is touched.

And look at what is waiting at that throne: “that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Mercy for what we have done, and grace for what we are facing. Both are there, and both are free. I need both, and I need them every day.

I am thankful that the throne I come to is a throne of grace, not a throne of judgment.

So what is your time of need this morning? Do not stand outside the door. Come boldly.