Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16.

 

This verse is all about prayer isn’t it? It is so rich in content, so filled with promise, so vast with amazement, and so glorious in nature! My heart’s desire is that as you read these few thoughts here, a cry from deep within will propel you into that heavenly realm where that throne may be seen and touched.

 

Mercy and grace; two synonyms, cousins if you would. There is however a beautiful difference between the two words. Grace comes from the Greek word meaning free. It refers to a gift coming from one who has to another who has not. Very simple. Mercy however goes beyond just a gift. Neither grace (gift) nor mercy is deserved, but mercy comes to us as the opposite of what we deserve. I need to illustrate this. Life, as God breathed it into us is a gift. Redeemed life is mercy for we are receiving something that by our disobedience we have forfeited. Perhaps we could say that grace flows from the desire to bless, whereas mercy flows from compassion and unselfish love.

 

Confidence is that which makes us go ahead forcefully and boldly. If we’re not sure, we hesitate or become sceptical. Doubt is a word that fits here. I will submit to you that our confidence in God comes from knowing Him. Therefore It is so important that we find a quiet place alone with Him!

 

I want to say a little about that throne. It is the place of all authority where decisions, commands, etc. are absolute and not to be disputed.

 

So here is that rich, promise-filled, amazing and glorious message from the verse.. We have needs, though as varied as they may be for each individual, summarized they spell out the same thing: ‘oppressed, distracted and persecuted by the enemy’. In the midst of that, the writer encourages us to come to the King on the throne with confidence to receive gifts and mercy. (you see, we know that King to be gracious and merciful!) We will have needs met, we will receive mercy.

 

One more note. this verse follows on the heels of the writer saying “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are” (vs.15)