God Speaking

“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.”

(Hebrews 4: 16)

We had an interesting question in one of the Bible studies I attend, which required a lot of thought before answering and I was still thinking about it when the study ended. This was the question;

Which is your favourite verse in the Bible? Explain why you chose it.

The obvious spring to mind, John 3: 16 is why we can call ourselves beloved, forgiven children of God, but I began to think of all those other beautiful verses that bolster our courage, remind us of the ever-available help of our loving Heavenly Father, encourage us to constantly seek an audience with him (in prayer) and then to be flooded with grace and mercy, just by being with him. So, I chose Hebrews 4: 16. One I have turned to many, many times when I needed his grace and mercy to survive a turmoil in my life.

The beautiful story of the sinful woman being brave enough to interrupt a dinner party Jesus was attending, is an excellent example of this verse, (Luke7: 36 – 50) The woman knew she was a sinner, knew she was unworthy to come into the Lord’s presence, but knew deep within her being that her tears of repentance would be replaced with peace as grace and mercy was enveloping her.

“Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”” (Luke 7:50)

When I looked up the meaning of, grace, in the dictionary, I realised why the term, the grace of God, is so meaningful. This was one of the meanings.

Grace (grās):  a manifestation of exceptional favour, a divine influence to regenerate and sanctify.

The definition of mercy also opened my eyes to why receiving mercy from God was such an incredible gift.

Mercy (mərsē): compassion on one who has no claim to receive kindness.

When Paul was writing to the fledging churches, he frequently began his letters by reminding them of the blessing of God’s grace.

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1: 2)

One of the most important lessons we learn from the story of the sinful woman, is that she approached Jesus. The message from the Hebrews quote reminds us that unless we approach Jesus we miss that great outpouring of grace and mercy to help us in out time of need.

Confidence is the other important word in this verse. We don’t have to agonise if God will hear us, we don’t have to feel we are so unworthy he won’t accept us, we can boldly expect grace and mercy. I first read this verse in the King James version of the Bible and it is still my favourite.

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