Sunday, July 21, 2013

Grace When You Need Help

Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

In Medieval Times people would go to the castle when they needed help...bowing before the King. And remember Queen Esther who went to before King Ahasuerus to ask him to save her people. She knew that if the King did not accept her that she could be killed for approaching him without being summoned. But just as her cousin Mordecai had told her…she had attained royalty “for such a time as this.” With that giving her confidence, she approached the throne of King Ahasuerus hoping that he would change his edict to kill all the Jews. After Esther hosts a couple of meals and then the evil royal assistant Haman is hung on his own gallows, the king grants a proclamation that the Jews can defend themselves, thus saving Esther’s people. Read the whole story in the Book of Esther. It’s a short book, only 9 chapters long. The important part is that she approached the king, just like we should approach our King and Savior, seated on His heavenly throne—with confidence, knowing that He hears our prayers and knowing that He will answer them. God’s grace, His unmerited favor towards us is what we can count on as we seek His love and help. Hebrews 4:15 gives us a clue as to why we can go to Jesus on His throne. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. He can sympathize with us…He knows our weakness, temptations and our needs. He will hear our prayers and intercede to the Father for us. Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Romans 8:34. What a great promise! Ask your friend, Jesus, to pray for you—and with you to the Heavenly Father.

Training Tip – Kids love dress-up and to play that they are royalty. Dress up and act out the story of Esther. Tell them about another throne that we should be approaching daily. The Throne of Jesus is a powerful place. We should feel privileged to be giving Him our prayer requests. So approach an imaginary throne and ask Jesus to intercede to the Heavenly Father with your prayer request. Then let your own light shine before your family as you smile and accept responsibility for your actions, just like Esther. Teach your children well—let their lights shine for Jesus, too.
 
Lord Jesus, we come before Your throne knowing that You hear our prayers. We ask that You will help us with this specific problem: ___________, and we trust that You not only hear our prayers, but You will answer them. Thank you for loving us and showing Your mercy on us. 

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.
© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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