Approaching God with Confidence

Hebrews 4:16

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

I remember meeting Eddie Murray – a future Hall of Fame player – one rainy day in Baltimore.  I believe I have shared this story in a sermon but it fits here very well I think.  Carolyn and I were going to games once-a-week or so in those early days of our marriage and we had gone up to the stadium for a game – even though it was raining and could be called off.  We pulled up to the park only to hear that the game had been postponed because of the rain.

As we sat in the car deciding what to do with our evening I saw Eddie Murray coming out of the stadium and headed for his vehicle (I assumed).  In the drizzle that was falling I ran out to say hi and shake his hand – I was very nervous to go up to him.  He stopped – greeted me – and shook my hand.  I asked him for his autograph and he said sure.  I had nothing to write with or on so I ran back to my car to get something – anything – to get Eddie Murray’s autograph.  The amazing thing is that Mr. Murray stood there in the drizzle – with his very expensive leather jacket on – and waited for me to return.  It was a highlight for me – I would imagine he only remembers it if it ruined his jacket – lol.

I thought of this story as I read today’s Scripture passage – Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  I wasn’t confident approaching Mr. Murray.  I wasn’t confident asking him for his autograph.  I wasn’t confident that he would stand around waiting in the rain for me to get back with something to write on – just ask Carolyn – I was in panic mode trying to find something in the car.  And Eddie Murray – just a ball player – albeit a Hall of Famer to be – caused all of this excitement!

The author of Hebrews writes that we can approach the throne of grace – the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings – with confidence.  And because we can approach the throne of God with confidence – we can also ask in confidence and receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  That is such Good News!  It is an amazing part of God’s love for us – that God would welcome us into His presence!

When we come to Jesus – we are given a new spirit – a spirit of confidence in the presence of the Most High!  It is beyond my understanding – because I was less than confident in the presence of a mere man – albeit a famous man.  I’m told I can have confidence in the presence of God the Father because of Jesus!  That is amazing.  Here is another passage that shares this same truth.

Romans 8:15-17 – 15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.  And by him we cry, “Abba,  Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Today – you might meet someone famous – and you might get excited – unless like my friend Michael you meet famous people all the time in your job.  We should still get excited when we approach God in prayer – I still do nearly 45 years after giving my heart to Him – but we can go in confidence – in the assurance that we will be received.  I think that is amazing!

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

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