To boldly come! – reading Psalm 55, Luke 18:9-14
Introduction
I like Star Trek. The original TV series always started with “To boldly go where no man has gone before.” Of course after all the repeats they ended up going to the same place hundreds of times! This morning I want us to think about a verse which tells us to boldly come. Thankfully it’s not to a strange, distant world inhabited by aliens that want to kill us, but to come home to a loving Saviour who loves us and wants to help us.
4: 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
This verse is based on what the Jewish high-priest did on the Day of Atonement. The throne of grace is a reference to the mercy-seat – the golden lid over the Ark of the Covenant Ex 25:17-22. On the lid were two angels – Cherubim – and there God met with His people and often appeared in the form of a bright cloud over the mercy seat (Lev 16:2) – the Shechinah I will appear in the cloud
34 the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 And Moses was not able to enter the tabernacle of meeting, because the cloud rested above it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Ex 40
Only the high-priest was permitted to approach the mercy seat and then only once a year. For him to enter safely and to enjoy God’s mercy at least 10 innocent animals had to die (Nu 29:8-11). He was no doubt afraid that, if he got things wrong, he might be struck dead as Korah was (Nu 16:40). In total contrast this verse tells us all to come boldly into God’s glorious presence, but, of course, we can only come in His way and on His terms.
For the needy
This verse was written for people who need help. The world is full of self sufficient people who don’t like to admit their weakness and ask for help. People who drive around for ages rather than admit they are lost and need directions. People who struggle through their lives and work rather than admit they can’t cope. This verse isn’t for people like that, nor is the gospel !
The only people that God can’t help are those, like the Pharisee in the parable, who think they don’t need help! But perhaps today is a time of need for you. If so our text promises some very special help. If, on the other hand, you think that you can live a good enough life on your own then I can only pray that God will show you how much you really need Him.
Christians need help too!
Of course it is not only non-Christians who need to recognise that they need help. Churches are full of self-sufficient people. People who think they have arrived and are so much better than everyone else. Preachers who think that we can prepare and deliver sermons without God’s help. And we all think we could run the Church better! We behave as though we can live our lives without help even though, If challenged, most of us would deny it! God says:
Rev 3:17 “you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’ –and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked
What could be more foolish than for a Christian to think that, having been saved by God’s mercy we don’t need His help every day!
Gal 3:3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?
Zec 4:6 This is the word of the LORD … ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts.
To whom do we go for help?
People who need help seek it in all sorts of places. They turn to family, friends, doctors, social workers or to church leaders. It’s crucial to seek help in the right place. You want someone who is sympathetic, but whose judgement is reliable. You can ask me for advice about many things – from Star Trek to computer problems, but there isn’t much point asking me about any tax problems!
If you want help with the really big issues – life and death stuff – can you safely turn to Jesus? What are His qualifications? As we have already seen He is:
• The creator – this reminds me of His immense power, but also that He understands His creation inside out – He has the right expertise to help us.
• The all knowing one – He even knows our thoughts so we can’t con Him v 12-13. This is rather scary, but it means that He knows what we need better than we do ourselves!
• God’s beloved Son – an influential helper who is able to deliver any help that we might need. This is hinted at by the reference in this verse to coming to the throne.
• Our great high-priest who is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us Rom 8:34. He stands between God and man.
I am reminded that the Jewish high-priests used to wear an ephod. This had two sets of precious stones that were engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel which the high-priest wore as a memorial before the LORD continually Ex 28:29. These precious stones reminded the high-priest that he was there to represent God’s people – not his own interests. In the same way Jesus, our great high-priest, takes care of our interests in heaven. That they were precious stones reminds me that His people are precious to God.
The ephod’s shoulder pieces each had an onyx stone with the names of 6 of the tribes on each.
Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD upon his two shoulders for a memorial. Ex 28:12. Of course the government of the universe rests upon Jesus’ shoulders Isa 9:6. This reminds me that He can carry us and our burdens, in that place of strength. “The shoulder which sustains the universe, upholds the feeblest and most obscure member of the blood-bought congregation” CHM.
It is not a question of our strength, but His for, resting there we are kept by the power of God 1Pet 1:5. It is not a question of us holding on to Him, but Him holding onto us, for He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him. 2Tim 1:12.
The ephod also had a breastplate with 12 precious jewels, each engraved with the name of one of the tribes. “So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel on the breastplate of judgment over his heart, when he goes into the holy place Ex 28: 29.Like the ancient breastplate, Jesus carries His people on His heart, reminding us of His great love, supremely demonstrated by dying in our place.
• We have also seen in v15 that Jesus is a sympathetic high-priest. He understands not only how we tick, but even how we feel, our weaknesses and frailties. He has compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray 5:2. He faced and overcame the same temptations that we face day by day and so is the ideal person to help us in our need.
A Christian from China said, “I had slipped into a great ditch and the ditch was sin.” Buddha came along and said, “Come up half way and I will lift you up.” Muhammad came along and said, “Here are five pillars that will get you out.” But I couldn’t get up those five pillars. Confucius came along and said, “You’re not really in that ditch, you just think you’re in that hole.” But I was still there in the ditch of sin. Then Jesus came by and saw my predicament. He didn’t say a word but laid aside his regal robes and got down in the ditch along with the sin and the mire and he lifted me out of it by his grace. The difference was his love and who he was! He was who was God was willing to come down to my level in order to lift me out of sin.
Where can we find the help we need?
We can only find the help we need at the throne of grace – the mercy seat. There are those that would approach God at the throne of justice, but they forget that they, like all mankind, have sinned and fall short of the glory of God Rom 3:23 and that there is none righteous, no, not one Rom 3:10. Justice is not what we need, for justice demands punishment for all our sin – and that punishment would be eternal death – hell! For the wages of sin is death Rom 6:23. That is what our sins have earned us, yet this verse holds before us the possibility of mercy rather than justice.
While justice would give us what we deserve – death – mercy wants to withhold punishment, because God loves us. In Christ God’s love and justice were reconciled or Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other Ps 85:10 because Christ tasted death for everyone (2:9). Christ was the perfect sacrifice. Something that the OT sacrifices could only hint at.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1John 1:9
At some future time, however, this same Jesus Christ will judge those who spurn or neglect His mercy from a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. … And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. (Rev 20:11-15). Today, in mercy, God calls us to the throne of grace. All that we need to do is to kneel there in prayer and ask God for forgiveness because His Son’s died in our place. How foolish it is to spurn that loving offer and to risk standing before the throne of eternal judgment.
What can we expect?
Mercy and grace to help in time of need
As we have seen, mercy is our greatest need because of our sin and failure. But our Heavenly Father is the Father of mercies 2 Cor 1:3, and rich in mercy Eph 2:4. God’s attitude toward those of His children who are in distress is one of mercy, pity, and compassion. In time 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!
Mercy deals with our past failures; grace with our present needs. In mercy God withholds the punishment that we deserve. In grace He goes so much further. Grace is the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in faith, knowledge, love, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues. In short it is God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense. Jesus is not only God incarnate (in human form) He is also grace incarnate:
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. … 16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1
It was God’s grace that saved us – For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God Eph 2:8. It is God’s grace that keeps us day by day. Like the Manna that Israel ate during their wilderness journey we must collect the grace we need as we need it in time of need we can’t collect a lifetime’s supply and store it away for when we need it. (Ex 16:19-21) We are not to cry for help tomorrow, or at some indefinite future time. We are to call for mercy and grace when we need them; and we are to expect to receive them when we call.
Just for Today Lord, for tomorrow and its needs I do not pray:
Keep me, My God, from Stain of sin Just for today.
Let me both diligently work and duly pray,
Let me be kind in word and deed Just for today.
Let me be slow to do my will, prompt to obey,
Help me to mortify my flesh just for today.
Let me no wrong or idle word Unthinking say:
Set Thou a seal upon my lips just for today.
Let me in season, Lord, be grave in season gay,
Let me be faithful to Thy Grace, Just for today.
And if today my tide of life should ebb away,
give me Thy sacraments divine, Sweet Lord, today
So, for tomorrow and its needs I do not pray:
but keep me, guide me, love me, Lord, Just for today.
Samuel Wilberforce
God’s grace also sometimes works in very strange ways. For example:
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and everyday he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.
Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of Driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger. “God, how could you do this to me!” he cried.
Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. “How did you know I was here?” asked the weary man.
“We saw your smoke signal,” they replied.
I asked God for strength that I might achieve;
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy;
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing I asked for but everything l hoped for;
In spite of myself, my prayers were answered
I am among all men most richly blest
It is foolish to think that there will not be problems in our lives. Whether Christian or not, all face times of great heartache and other difficulties. The difference is that Christians know that God brings these problems into our lives for a reason – even when we can’t see it.
My life is but a weaving
Between my Lord and me,
I cannot chose the colours
He worketh steadily.
Oft times He weaveth sorrow
Yet I, in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper
And I, the underside.
Not till the loom is silent
and the shuttles cease to fly
will God unroll the canvas
and reveal the reason why.
The dark threads are as needful
in the Weaver’s skilful hands,
as the threads of gold and silver
in the patterns He has planned.
Oft times He weaveth sorrow
yet I, in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper
and I the under side.
It is never God’s intention to test us to breaking point. God allows us to face problem to make us rely more on Him and also to build up our strength. He never wants to break us. Satan brings temptation into our lives to trip us up and to destroy our relationship with God. When we feel God has pushed us to our limit then it is time to remind Him of His promise and to ask for more grace or a way out. God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1Co 10:13
He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2Co 12:9
Many things in life fail us. Friendships blossom and die. We can’t take our health for granted. Those we love will die, leaving an empty ache in our hearts. However, the grace of God is one thing that every child of God possesses that can never fail, never end, never run out, never run dry and it will never prove insufficient for our need! Our road may seem long and hard, our days may be filled with difficulties and struggles, but in Him there is always grace sufficient for every need and trial. That is God’s promise to His children.
The will of God...according to His Word
The will of God will never take you,
Where the grace of God cannot keep you,
Where the arms of God cannot support you,
Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the power of God cannot endow you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the Spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the army of God cannot protect you,
Where the hands of God cannot mould you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.
Isn’t this enough to encourage us go to Him with confidence and tell Him all about our need?
How do we approach?
Do you remember being called to the headmaster’s study or the boss’s office? Even if you hadn’t done anything wrong it was always a frightening experience. With our Heavenly Father we never have to worry. God is always 100 percent approachable. He always has time for us and never complains about being interrupted in the middle of something important.
Our text tells us to come “boldly.” We dare not be brash or brazen, nor need we be timid or bashful. The high-priest entered the holy of holies only once a year, and then he stood before God, probably with knees knocking, in fear of judgement. But something wonderful happened when Christ died on the cross – behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom Mt 27:51. (More on that if we ever reach ch. 10!) In Christ we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand Rom 5:2. Coming boldly means coming openly, candidly or confidently – not because of what we have done, but because of what he did. It is a matter of relationship:
A Roman emperor was parading through the streets of the Imperial City enjoying a victory celebration. Tall legionaries lined the triumphal route to keep back the cheering masses. A little boy burrowed through the crowd and tried to run out to meet the emperor. One of the guards caught him in his strong arm and told him he couldn’t do that. “Don’t you know who’s in the chariot? That’s the emperor!” Quickly the youngster replied, “He may be your emperor, but he’s my father!”
We can speak freely and frankly to our Heavenly Father for we are coming to one who understands us and our weaknesses and has compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray 5:2. This is just as well for, as we saw when we looked at v 13 there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
This means that we can’t con God by pretending to be something in our prayers that we are not in reality. We wouldn’t be so stupid as to try, would we? It also means that we don’t need to worry how to put our fears or needs into words for our heavenly Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him Mt 6:8 and the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Rom 8:26.
So we must come to Him:
• As we are – with no pretence. Don’t go to Him with the idea of making Him think you are anything other than who you are. He knows us from the inside out. There’s no way we can impress Him with big words or vain promises – He will to see right through it.
When thou prayest, rather let thy heart be without word than thy words without heart. John Bunyan
• Contritely – with a spirit that is sorry for any sin we’ve committed. That means no defences, admitting that we are wrong. Excusing and rationalizing our sin before God is pointless. He loves a broken and contrite heart (Ps. 51:17).
• Submissively – with a heart that is willing to accept what He wants for you. Prayer isn’t there for us to convince Him of our will, but to learn His will for us. His plan is far better than ours.
Prayer does not change God, but changes him who prays. Soren Kierkegaard
• Reverently – we must always remember whom we are talking to. He may be our loving father and friend, but He is still the Holy and all powerful God.
• Confidently – we can come confidently because we come in the righteousness of Christ, not our own good deeds. We also come knowing that if we ask for anything in Christ’s name, in accordance with God’s will, He will hear us (1 John 5: 14-15).
When Hudson Taylor went to China, he made the voyage on a sailing vessel. As it neared the channel between the southern Malay Peninsula and the island of Sumatra, the missionary heard an urgent knock on his stateroom door. He opened it, and there stood the captain of the ship. “Mr. Taylor,” he said, “we have no wind. We are drifting toward an island where the people are heathen, and I fear they are cannibals.”
“What can I do?” Asked Taylor. “I understand that you believe in God. I want you to pray for wind.” “All right, Captain, I will, but you must set the sail.” “Why that’s ridiculous! There’s not even the slightest breeze. Besides, the sailors will think I’m crazy.” But finally, because of Taylor’s insistence, he agreed. Forty-five minutes later he returned and found the missionary still on his knees. “You can stop praying now,” said the captain. “We’ve got more wind than we know what to do with!”
• In faith – without faith it is impossible to come to God or please Him (Heb. 11:6). We mut trust God to answer if we are to receive His blessing “whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” Mt 21:22
Conclusion
We all need mercy. If we don’t kneel willingly before the throne of grace and mercy we shall stand, one day, before the throne of judgement. He who died to save will then stand in condemnation.
Mt 25:41 Then He will also say to those on the left hand, Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels
We also all need grace to help. Help to walk through the valleys without despair; and to walk on the high places without sinful pride. Help to suffer, to be still, to wait, to overcome, to tend one tiny flower bed in God’s great garden. Help to live and to die.
Amazingly God wants to hear our needs and requests. He wants to be needed by us, and to do things for us. He wants us to ask Him, and to ask believing that He will answer. We can never wear out our welcome. And we will always be blessed, just by being in His presence.
All of our needs are met at the throne. Will you come there in all your need? And that not once, but repeatedly. As our text says, Let us come and that means to keep on coming. Not once a year like the high-priest; nor even once a week like so many of us, but daily and even frequently during the day.
The throne of grace is the place of love and power, and our Lord Jesus Christ is love and power. Yes, He is able! He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Heb 7:25
Remember whenever you’re tempted,
Jesus has been there too.
From the battlefield you’re not exempted;
Jesus has been there too.
Strong opposition you’re bound to meet;
Be oft in prayer at the Master’s feet.
And as you kneel at the Mercy Seat,
Jesus will be there too!
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, 25 To God our Saviour, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen. Jude 24
