“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 4:16

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Hebrews 4 builds an argument from the high priesthood of Jesus — He is the one who has ‘passed through the heavens’ (v14), who can sympathize with our weakness because He was ‘tempted in every way, just as we are, yet did not sin’ (v15). The implication of that priesthood is this verse: the access to God that Jesus has secured is not just his — it belongs to those who come through him.

‘Throne of grace’ is a remarkably tender phrase for what in the Old Testament was the most terrifying address in the universe — the place where the presence of God dwelt, into which only the high priest could enter, and only once a year. Hebrews says: come boldly. The word ‘confidence’ (parrēsia) means freedom of speech, openness, bold access. And the promise is specific: not that God will give you what you want, but that you will receive mercy (for your failures) and grace (for your needs) in your time of need.

What keeps you from approaching God with confidence? Do you feel like you need to clean yourself up first, that your need is too small, or that your failure disqualifies you? How does Hebrews 4:15–16 address each of those hesitations?

The throne is described as a ‘throne of grace’ — not just God’s authority but his disposition. What would it look like to actually come to prayer with the confidence this verse describes, rather than tentatively?

Jesus is described as sympathetic to our weakness because he was tempted as we are. How does the incarnation — the fact that God became human and experienced temptation — change how you relate to him in your hardest moments?

 Action Steps: Come to God boldly with your most urgent need right now. Don’t summarize. Come with the specific thing — the fear, the failure, the longing, the request. Come as if the throne is a throne of grace. Because it is. Ask for mercy and grace. Receive them.

Let the argument build: Jesus as sympathetic, faithful, experienced priest who has already entered the presence of God on your behalf. Your access to God is not based on your worthiness but on his completed work. Read Hebrews 4:14–5:3 for the full picture of Jesus as high priest.

Write a bold prayer — one you’ve been afraid to pray. Write out the prayer you’ve been holding back because you felt it was too audacious, too needy, or too personal. Then pray it. The invitation is to come with confidence. Take it at its word.

Considering we are in the time prior to Jesus return to restore righteousness to a broken world, we need to walk closely to God being confident the Holy Spirit will guide our every step. Pray God will use us to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to family, friends and all those that God brings us into contact. If you are available it is amazing how God brings people to you.

Also, get prepared for what is next on God’s agenda for planet Earth, Jesus Millennial Kingdom, http://www.millennislkingdom.net.

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