Not in Fear but in Confidence & Boldness—PRAY!
“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace,
(The Letter to the Hebrews 4: 16 NASB)
so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
I remember the day Queen Elizabeth II died, and I recall watching on television the long line of mourners standing for hours in a line, one that wrapped around the sidewalks of London, England. Since that day, I have read how that day was one of the most-watched broadcasts in history. Additionally, I recall sitting on my couch, watching the Queen’s funeral, seeing all the world leaders present to pay homage to the departed monarch. She was dearly beloved by so many.
As I think back to those events, recalling the way the Reverend Franklin Graham prayed, speaking of the Queen’s faith in God, I am reminded of the prophet Isaiah, who wrote—
“For thus says the LORD,
(The Book of Isaiah 45: 18-19a & 23 NASB)
who created the heavens
(He is the God who formed the earth and made it,
He established it and did not create it a waste place, but formed it to be inhabited),
“I am the LORD,
and there is none else.
I have not spoken in secret,
In some dark land; . . .”
. . .
“I have sworn by Myself,
The word has gone forth
from My mouth in righteousness
And will not turn back,
That to Me every knee will bow,
every tongue will swear allegiance.”
When the Lord Jesus began His public ministry, He chose to go into the same synagogue, going to the place He had gone many times before during His lifetime. This occurred in Nazareth, a small village in Galilee. The Bible records how the news of Jesus had widely spread and many praised His teaching.
On that particular day when He arrived, as was custom, the religious leaders asked Him to speak. It was not by chance but by God’s design that they handed the Son of Man & Son of God The Book of Isaiah to read. As we sit to study the Bible, we read the comforting words of Jesus.
“THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME,
(The Gospel According to Luke 4: 18-19 NASB)
BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR.
HE SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES,
AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND,
TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED,
TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD.”
As Jesus spoke—
God’s Kingdom had arrived.
- Jesus, the promised King of Israel,
- Jesus, the prophesied Jewish Messiah &
- Jesus, the Savior of the whole wide world has come!
Maybe you arose this morning to the world news. & Maybe you have thoughts of trepidation.
Quite possibly you wonder: “What’s going to happen now?”
The Christian artist Anne Wilson sings a melody, one that applies. Pause to listen. Be encouraged.
“Still God.”
The world sees Jesus as a great teacher, a moral man, a good influence, a person to be emulated, and even as a prophet of God,
BUT—HE IS INCARNATE GOD, THE RESURRECTED SON OF MAN!
The world scorns Jesus, despises Him, and rejects Him,
BUT—HE IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH & THE LIFE!
JESUS IS THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE!
HE IS THE KING OF KINGS & LORD OF LORDS!
JESUS IS THE ONE TO WHOM ALL PEOPLE WILL BOW UPON THEIR KNEES & ALL WILL CONFESS HIM AS LORD.
Children of God, be encouraged.
God is still on His throne!
- Pour out our hearts.
- Boldly approach the throne of God.
There are no restrictions, no religious regulations, & no asterisks denoting the fine print listed below, stating the dos & don’ts when we bow to pray to Almighty God.
Instead, we are instructed to—
Trust the Father.
Trust the Son. &
Trust the Holy Spirit.
Omniscient, Omnipresent & Omnipotent!
The Holy Spirit of God will help us, even when we cannot form the words we need, when we have no words to pray.
Even then, God will hear our prayer & He will respond.
In times like this, the words of the 17th Century, Archbishop Jeremy Taylor resound loudly.
“It is impossible for that man to despair who remembers that his Helper [the Holy Spirt] is omnipotent.”
&
In times like this, the apostle Paul wrote to his fellow workers in Christ Jesus, encouraging them to share the gospel, reminding them—
“Be anxious for nothing,
(The Letter of Paul to the Philippians 4:6 NASB)
but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Not in Fear but in Confidence & Boldness—PRAY!