Approaching The Throne

             For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 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 4:15-16)

 

When we tell others we can understand how they feel, we’re often told to stop lying- that we can’t possibly understand unless we experienced the exact same thing with their exact same background. In other words, we can’t empathize unless we are them. Um - I can understand that feeling. There are times I struggle with that idea as I read these verses. Yes, Jesus is the Son of God who lived a life of about 33 years on this planet and was tempted and all that, but the Son of God didn’t live in the Twenty-First Century as an overweight, single, middle-aged woman who is trying to build a life.

Now, as an aside, I admit and believe that Jesus probably faced the HU!NY! temptation because He had to wait until He was about 30 before He got to start His ministry. That one makes perfect sense to me.

But this is where faith comes in. I don’t understand how Jesus can empathize with me in my particulars, but if He did walk in my shoes, He would do so without sinning. More importantly, the next part of the passage calls on us to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence. Another version says boldly. So, whether I understand how Jesus can empathize with me, the invitation is still for me (and you) to approach God boldly - even when He’s on His throne - doing His God-stuff as the omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent Lord of all creation in full God-gear.

A picture comes to mind of one of J.F.K.’s kids under the desk in the Oval Office, or of Queen Esther walking in to see her husband when it meant death for her unless he extended his scepter to her. Then there’s Mephibosheth, who was Saul’s grandson, and therefore at least a potential enemy to David. He was crippled as a child, and therefore not qualified (according to the custom of the time) to be in the same room with David. Yet David made it a standing rule that Mephibosheth was to eat in David’s presence whenever he wanted. None of these folks would likely have been welcomed if they were rude or arrogant, but they were welcomed. They were accommodated. For that matter, if you read Job 1, you’ll find out Satan was welcomed and accommodated.

But what does approaching the throne with confidence look like? For one thing, it looks like someone expecting that God is likely to welcome and accommodate you. It looks like you have been there before not only know your way around, but are acquainted with those you’ll find there. It brings to mind this morning, and the request I made to friends about going to their house and picking their blueberries. I’ve asked before, and been given permission, so when I sent a message this morning, I expected that unless something was up, they’d say “Come on down!” They did. You have no idea how many bags of blueberries I’ve collected from their garden.

In some ways, I boldly approach God. Sometimes, I’m probably arrogant or rude. Often, I’m whiny. Something to work on - part of loving God.