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Earthly rulers often make studied efforts to insulate themselves from their subjects' true thoughts and concerns. But Christians may bring anything that is on our hearts before our King.
A visiting pastor from England told me about the experiences of two family members who had audiences with British royalty. During their college years both his daughter and her husband-to-be were involved in a public service organization of which Anne, the Princess Royal, daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, is the patron. In honor of their volunteer service the pastor's daughter and future son-in-law were, on two different occasions, invited to tea with the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace.
Before the audience, the palace staff instructed both young people how to behave: "Do not speak to the Princess Royal unless you are spoken to. Do not raise any subject of conversation yourself. Merely respond to whatever the princess decides to discuss." The British pastor said that people who are invited to an audience with the Queen receive similar instructions.
The Believer's Boldness
Earthly rulers may take such pains to insulate themselves from the thoughts and concerns of their subjects, but how different for Christians and the King of the Universe! We enter Christ's throne room in prayer with an entirely different set of instructions:
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 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 4:12-16)
Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith... (Hebrews 10:19-22)
"Let us come" says the writer under Divine inspiration. In the original this speaks of approaching or drawing near. It is a term used in many ancient manuscripts to denote coming into the court of a monarch or ruler. And so we draw near and approach the Holy God and Sovereign of the universe.
Furthermore the Holy Spirit says, "Let us therefore come" - in other words, because of facts stated just previously in Hebrews chapter 4:
- Because we need to be diligent to enter into our rest in Christ (verse 11)
- Because God's Word reveals who we are and what we are (verse 12)
- Because God knows us infinitely and intimately, and we can hide nothing from Him (verse 13)
- Because Jesus is a high priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses (verse 14)
- Because Jesus was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin (verse 15)
Because of all these things, says the writer under Divine inspiration, "Let us come!"
Furthermore, the Holy Spirit exhorts us to come boldly (Greek meta parresias, with boldness). Negatively, these words in the original language do not speak of coming brashly, or presumptuously, or without proper respect or reverence. But positively, the words translated "boldly" mean that, contrary to the restrictions of many earthly rulers, we may bring up any subject with our King.
We may have freedom in speaking; we may be unreserved in our speech within the bounds of reverence; we may, and indeed we should, speak to our Lord the King openly, frankly, without concealment. The words also speak of the attitude with which we may come before our King. We may come with free and fearless confidence, with cheerful courage, and with assurance that we shall be heard.
Our Free Access to the King of the Universe
As we come into the palace of the King our instructions are not, "Do not speak unless spoken to" or "Do not raise any subject" but rather, "Child of God, tell Me exactly what is on your heart. It is My delight to hear, and to answer."
Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. (Jeremiah 33:3)
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Dear Christian, you may not be permitted to speak to an earthly monarch in these ways, but God places no such restrictions upon you. Are you taking full advantage of your position in Christ by truly resting in His intercessory work on your behalf? Do you look to Him as the source of all grace, and not struggle in your sinful flesh to try to make inadequate and ill-timed substitutes for His gracious provision? Are you honest with Him about yourself, your needs, your joys, your heart-cries, and your temptations? Do you really desire and seek His help and deliverance in time of need, instead of trusting to the inadequate, failing resources of the flesh? Do you praise and thank Him for free access to His intercession and provision on your behalf?
May the Lord give you "grace to help" to avail yourself of the open, welcoming ear of your King.
say0070
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