“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬

Hebrews 4:16 also teaches that there is a purpose for our coming to the throne of grace. And what is that purpose? “…that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Mercy is one of our primary needs because of our sins and failures. Our Heavenly Father is “the Father of mercies” (2 Corinthians 1:3), and He is “rich in mercy” (Ephesians 2:4). God’s attitude toward those of His children who are in distress is one of mercy, pity, and compassion. In times of need, we all appreciate someone who can empathize and sympathize with us. Will our loving God, who was merciful in saving us (Titus 3:5), be less merciful now that we are His children? Of course not!

Then let us go to Him with confidence and tell Him all about our need.

There are times when “we know not what we should pray for” (Romans 8:26). It is possible that you do not know what your needs are. But our Lord assures us that “your Father knows what things you have need of, before you ask Him” (Matthew 6:8). See also Matthew 6:32.

A further purpose for our coming to the throne of grace is “to find grace to help.” Mercy is for the failures of the past, and grace is for the present hour of need.

The Apostle Paul appeared before the throne of grace when he was suffering from his thorn in the flesh. Three times he asked God to remove this infirmity. But that was not what he needed. If he was suffering pain at that moment, it was perfectly natural for him to pray for relief from the discomfort. But in that moment of need, he received this assuring word from the Lord: “My grace is sufficient for thee” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

The Lord did not heal Paul, nor did He remove his discomfort at that time. But it was there—at the throne of grace—that he discovered the infinite, inexhaustible resource of God’s grace. There he found grace for timely help. And that grace is available to you and me.

Ancre du jour :
“Let us therefore come boldly.”