All Access to an Approachable God–Come Boldly to the Throne of Grace

Yesterday, as we considered the topic of forgiveness and prayer we began the discussion of: Why can we approach God as “Our Father” in prayer? Why do we continue to come boldly to the throne of grace?

Today, as we consider the question why questions of prayer further, first take time to read the Old Testament Lesson for Pentecost 10, from Genesis 18:20-32, where Abraham boldly pleads with God to spare Sodom. As you read and meditate, ponder the simple question: Why was Abraham so bold in his requests? What made Abraham think that he could treat The Lord of All Creation in this manner?

Perhaps the following from Joel J. Gawrisch will serve you well as you read the lesson from Genesis.

There were just certain ways that things were done in the ancient East. This was not it. Abraham’s continued pressing of God for concessions would have seemed presumptuous to any earthly master. Yet Abraham was as bold as this when talking to God! On hearing of the Lord’s plans for wicked Sodom, Abraham shamelessly presses the Lord to live up to the meaning of his name. Our confidence is the same as we boldly come before our heavenly Father’s throne seeking his free and faithful grace.” — Planning Christian Worship – Year C

Why can we approach God as “Our Father” in prayer? Why can we come boldly to the throne of grace? Why did Abraham approach God with such tenacity? As Joel. V Petermann explains only one who understands his true relationship with the King can approach God in such a manner. In his book Prayer: An Audience with the King, Pastor Petermann uses the extended illustration of king and subject to describe the all access relationship we have with God through prayer. One of the highlights of his work is the following illustration:
online viagra mastercard Usually this medicine is suggested for male impotence as well as Tongkat Ali. brand viagra 100mg http://frankkrauseautomotive.com/testimonial/1998-jeep/ Same thing may be applied for the production of male testosterone level that affect erection quality as well. Taking a low amount of nutrients in diet is one of the best prices on viagra best exercise for penis and also for treatment of allergy, depression and cancer. This herbal supplement along buy levitra with Night Fire capsule and Mast Mood capsule, you can improve stamina, strength and offers control over your ejaculate.

Perhaps you recall a scene from the classic movie The Wizard of Oz. This author can remember being terrified as a child at the image of the great and powerful wizard of Oz. Out of the billowing smoke and fire spouts peered the terrible face of the wizard as Dorothy and her friends approached him in the Emerald Palace. Remember how they walked with tiny fearful steps, knees knocking, down the glass paneled hallway? The wizard’s appearance was not inviting. One so terrifying is not approachable. Who can forget the Tin Man shaking and rattling in fear? Who can forget the moment when the Cowardly Lion finally turns tail, runs frantically down the hall, and jumps through a window? If God appeared to us as the wizard did to Dorothy and her friends, we would probably respond like the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion.

What a difference there is in the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy and her friends return from the Wicked Witch of the West’s Castle to present the broom. At first they appear trembling, as they were at the first visit. Thanks to Toto, however they soon find that the one who appeared so fearsome was really a kindly old man behind a curtain. Suddenly he is approachable. Without pushing the illustration too far, it’s somewhat similar with God and us. God has not changed. Through Jesus, however, we see God in a new way. Through Jesus, the King whom we knew only as our condemning judge because we rebelled so terribly against his laws is now seen as our benevolent Father. Jesus has revealed to us God’s love. For Jesus is evidence of God’s incredible love. Jesus is the proof of God’s desire to have us as his children.

Jesus has effected this new relationship between the King and us. We are still subjects of his kingdom, but we are much more. To us who were once rebels has been given the title of children of God. Therefore the King is our heavenly Father. ‘How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!’ (1 John 3:1) This is the reason Jesus does not teach us to address God as ‘Oh, almighty and powerful King and ruler of all rather he tells us to come as children. He teaches us to say ‘Our Father in Heaven.'” p. 38

The curtain has been pulled back! We see Our King as he truly is!

Through faith in Jesus, we, like Abraham, have all access admittance to an approachable God “Our Father”. Therefore we can come boldly to the throne of grace.

Listen to the beautiful hymn Come Boldly to the Throne of Grace.