Contemplative Bible Reading

Hebrews 4:16 (New Living Translation)

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

This is priest language. It is used to describe how priests would enter the temple to come near to God. They were special persons from birth. Us? Not born special, but made special by the blood of Christ. Let us come to God confidently (as He has promised us this access if we believe).

Why come to God? So we can have His mercy, i.e., His forgiveness of our sins. So we can have His grace, i.e., God’s favor to help us in time of need.

Do I approach God often or at all? What is wrong with me? Where is my confidence? Why don’t I fully realize the gift of Jesus Christ? Please God, help me in my unbelief.