(C) Cheryl Howard 2008

Because we have JESUS as our HIGH PRIEST and HE has compassion for us and HE sympathises and commiserates with us in our weaknesses in every area of our lives – our feebleness, our moral frailty, our sickness and our lack of strength and power – and not ony that, HE understands us; our needs, our struggles and our suffering. So because HE knows what we are going through, let’s come with boldness and confidence, with assurance of a loving welcome; let us approach openly, not hiding or hanging our heads afraid of our reception, but with frankness, bluntness and freedom of speech, let’s be unreserved, speaking openly and clearly and saying exactly what we’re thinking - to the Throne of Grace! To the seat of GOD’s own power, and of HIS very graciousness toward us and of HIS favour to us and on us!

Let us not hold back, but rather come to this throne of our Gracious GOD so that we may lay hold of, seize, obtain and receive the very mercy that HE offers us – HIS compassion that removes the misery that sin brings into our lives! And also at this throne of GOD’s gracious favour we are able to find, to see and perceive, to obtain and to get help – timely help and aid from our GOD Who gives us HIS favour and grace.

HE will wrap ropes around us, to hold us up out of danger, to prevent our demise just like sailors do to save a ship or a boat that is in danger in treacherous conditions. HE will lift us up and rescue us with well-timed, opportune aid – right when we need it!

thought for the journey …

The Throne of Grace!

We should be forever grateful that such a throne exists ….. imagine our worlds without it! How blessed we are that not only does our GOD sit enthroned upon a throne of grace, but HE bids us meet HIM there! Because of CHRIST - our GREAT HIGH PRIEST! Not only are we invited to meet with HIM there, but we are called to run to HIS throne of grace whenever we are in need - in any and every area of our lives; and there HE offers us real and literal help.

Hebrews 5:9 “And having been perfected (greek ‘teleioo’ = to fulfil), HE became the Author of eternal salvation to all who obey HIM,” As we follow and obey our SAVIOR we can rest confident in the completeness of HIS work of grace on our behalf upon The Cross - HE made a way where there was no way, HE opened wide the throne room of ALMIGHTY GOD’s grace for us, paving a path that was washed in HIS Blood - HE is The WAY!

Psalm 89:14 “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of YOUR Throne; mercy and truth go before YOUR face.”

A Throne of grace founded on righteousness and justice, of The One True GOD Who is full of mercy and truth, - righteousness that has been imputed to us who believe in GOD Who raised up CHRIST JESUS (Romans 4:24), at Calvary- and is the reason we can approach our Heavenly FATHER with such unquestioning confidence …

2 Corinthians 5:21 “For HE made HIM Who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of GOD in HIM!”

Romans 3:22-24 “even the righteousness of GOD, through faith in CHRIST JESUS, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of GOD, being justified freely by HIS grace through the redemption that is in CHRIST JESUS,”

We are welcomed, desired, called and embraced because of The CHRIST - EMMANUEL, MESSIAH … HE has justified us, made us righteous and ransomed our lives with HIS own, rescuing and redeeming us because of HIS Great Mercy and Grace. HE represents us to The FATHER - JESUS our Great HIGH PRIEST; so let’s not waste a moment standing in the shadows outside The FATHER’s Throne of Grace, ashamed and hesitating in our injured pride…. but let us run and hurl ourselves in humility upon HIS lap, crying out for HIS help, trusting how dearly HE longs to provide it - for HE knows better than we, how desperately we need it!