The Throne of Grace

Hebrews 4:14-16 “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. 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. 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.”

What a remarkable thing it is that we have a High Priest, who is sinless, who is perfect, who is pure, who is holy, who is divine, and yet we can approach Him with our prayers. What a wondrous thing it is that this same High Priest can sympathize with our struggles, understands the temptations we face, and He looks upon us with merciful eyes. What an astonishing thing it is that He allows us, imperfect sinners, to approach the throne upon which He sits, the throne of grace, and confess before Him. What an extraordinary thing it is that we, though weak, can draw near to Him and find His grace to help us in our time of need.

Consider that for a little bit longer: we, with all of our baggage, sin, wrongdoings, poor word choices, mean actions, unkind thoughts, and overall mess, can approach Him who is perfect, and make our requests known to Him. Not only that, but He extends mercy and grace to us. He wants to helps us turn back from sin and patiently works with us. He doesn’t demand perfection in order to approach Him. What He does ask is that we repent and turn back so that our sins may be blotted out and that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord (Acts 3:19-20a).