Be Bold!

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

Have you ever been afraid that God will not hear your prayers? Do you think somehow you are not good enough or that you are not worthy? Fear not dear one you can go with boldness before the Lord.

Followers of Jesus are not called to live a life of      fear and timidity. The writer of Hebrews tells us that Jesus is our merciful and faithful high priest, “Therefore, He had to be made like His brothers in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people” (Hebrews 2:17). Under Mosaic Law, the high priest would intercede on behalf of the people (Numbers 25). The priest would bring sacrifices to God on behalf of the people of Israel and would do so over and over.

When Jesus suffered and died on the cross He became the Lamb that took away the sins of the world once and for all. His personal sacrifice was an incredible act of mercy, and He could be the sacrifice because He had become like those for whom He was giving Himself up (Hebrews 2:17).   Because of Jesus the High Priest, we can come boldly to the throne of grace.

Because Jesus is our faithful High Priest we need not fear when we go to the Father in prayer. Jesus intercedes  on our behalf even today (Romans 8:34). Not only can we come boldly to the throne of grace for forgiveness and salvation (Hebrews 4:16), but we can also come to that same throne in prayer knowing that we are no longer enemies of God but beloved children who can call Him “Abba, Father” (Galatians 4:6; Romans 8:15).

Your shepherd,

Pastor Mark