Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

This whole chapter is very good, but the section from verse 12 on is so rich I wanted to write on all of it! This verse expresses what should be the result of our grasping the truths of the previous verses. It does no good to know truth simply as abstract fact without applying it, acting on it. If we understand that the Bible is God’s living and active Word to us, and that Jesus is the ultimate high priest who has been through everything we have and overcome, then we will indeed come boldly before God’s throne, welcoming all that He wants to do in and through us. There can be no pretensions here, because as 12-13 says, God knows everything anyway. Defending ourselves against God is useless, but confession and faith reap rich rewards.

This is particularly meaningful to me at the moment, because I have just come under accusation. Several months ago I was unwisely (as it turns out) open and frank with a less-than-mature believer about my own weaknesses. I recently offended him, and he has told his wife about what I confessed to him, and they have pulled their family out of the church, writing letters to Cathy and me about their decision. To say that is painful is an understatement! However, I need to let it drive me to a deeper awareness of Jesus as my great high priest who knows all about my weaknesses and loves me anyway, and therefore come boldly to Him, releasing all my circumstances into His hands for Him to turn them around for good, even if I can’t see what good could come of them. That’s what faith is all about. I’m back to James 1:22, needing to apply the truth I know and not deceive myself by just agreeing to it in my head.

Father, thank You for this very timely reminder. Thank You for the song You had me choose to use in Children’s Church this month: Jesus Loves Even Me. Help me rest, relax, and rejoice in that assurance, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!