READ: Hebrews 4 (Focus vs. 14-16; & 5:1-6)
MEMORY VERSE
Let us then approach God’s throne . . . with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us. Hebrews 4:16*
BACKGROUND
As a young journalist, I quickly learned about the power of a “press pass.” That one credential—displaying my name, picture, and media outlet—granted me access to meet and interview athletes and celebrities before or after major events.
However, after I received Jesus as my Savior, I realized sports and my career had become my idols. Following God’s call elsewhere, I lost my press pass but gained access to God’s heavenly throne room through prayer because of Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection.
The writer of Hebrews points out that a high priest was selected from among the Israelites, specifically one of Aaron’s descendants, and appointed as the go-between representing the people before God.
He alone could enter the Most Holy Place in the temple once a year “to offer gifts and sacrifice” to atone for his and the people’s sins (5:1), for he too was a mortal man.
Then Christ came, our great and perfect high priest. When He died, the veil in the temple was torn and the barrier that existed between God and humanity was removed (Matthew 27:51).
Because our loving Redeemer has reconciled us to His Father, we can freely pray to God: “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” (Hebrews 4:16).
What a privilege to have access to God’s throne room as we talk to Him in prayer.
Nancy Gavilanes
INSIGHT
Jesus, our “great high priest” (Hebrews 4:14), is able to sympathize with us because He’s lived as a man, although without sin (vv. 14-15; 5:1-2).
Christ took on “flesh and blood . . . for only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil” and offer “a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people” (2:14, 17 nlt).
“Because of what Christ has done for us” (Ephesians 2:18 nlt), “we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence” (3:12 nlt). What a great privilege to offer prayers before “God’s throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16), for He’s our King and our Father.
APPLICATION
How can you make time to pray more often? What stops you from praying?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“What a privilege to have access to God’s throne room as we talk to Him in prayer.”
PR’s TAKE
“Of all the blessings (that come with our salvation), none is greater than this, that we have access to God in prayer.” Martin Lloyd-Jones
“You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!” John 14:13-14
“Prayer is the wireless access to God with no roaming fees.” Anonymous
“Sounding forth in prayer without accessing His presence defeats the purpose of the prayer.” Jonette Amprendergast – Adapted
PRAYER
‘Dear Jesus, thank You for giving me access to the Father.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR”
I need Thee ev’ry hour,
Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford.
I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Ev’ry hour I need Thee;
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.
I need Thee ev’ry hour,
Stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their pow’r
When Thou art nigh.
I need Thee, O I need Thee…
I need Thee ev’ry hour,
In joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide,
Or life is vain.
I need Thee, O I need Thee…
I need Thee ev’ry hour,
Teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises
In me fulfill.
I need Thee, O I need Thee…
I need Thee ev’ry hour,
Most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed,
Thou blessed Son.
I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Ev’ry hour I need Thee;
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.
