Page 24 - Living Light 86

Monday September 23 - Mercy and grace
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace... Hebrews 4:16
The Bible tells us of Queen Esther, who was terrified about bringing her petition before the throne of King Ahasuerus. She had to entreat him to save her people, who faced deadly attack at the command of their enemy Haman. She was aware that “If anyone goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law – to be put to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden sceptre so that they may live” (Esther 4:11). How much more, as sinful people, should we tremble at the prospect of approaching the King of kings for mercy, the holy God who one day will judge us all?
In the Jewish temple in Jerusalem a massive four-inch-thick curtain barred entrance into the holiest place where God’s presence dwelt. No one entered, except for the high priest each year on the Day of Atonement. But at the hour of Jesus’ death, it tore from top to bottom! A ‘new and living way’ opened and, as the writer of Hebrews affirms, now we can draw near to God, seeking forgiveness (10:19-22). The sceptre King Jesus holds out is a splintered, blood-stained wooden cross. Our sinless High Priest who intercedes for us before his Father sacrificed his life to redeem and bring us into the holiest place, where all goodness and beauty dwell, to receive his grace. So, let’s draw near with faith.
Holy Father, we praise you as we sing with joyful confidence, ‘Bold I approach the eternal throne, and claim the crown, through Christ my own!’ Amen.
Tuesday September 24 - Chosen and called
No one takes this honour for himself, but only when called by God...
Hebrews 5:4
Christ’s death and resurrection abolished the old system of sacrifices. Every believer in Jesus is free from the penalty of sin and commissioned as a ‘priest’ to share God’s wonderful good news. 1 Peter 2:9 says, ‘You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you...’ Though knowing our every flaw, the Lord fully loves us and has unique purposes for all who are willing to obey him.
Perhaps the Holy Spirit is calling you to something new! Exactly two years ago today, a few months after turning 70, I was ordained to serve my parish church. It was completely unexpected, but many confirmations convinced us this really was God’s calling and plan. During the service I was commissioned ‘to search out the poor and weak, the sick and lonely and those who are oppressed and powerless... that the love of God may be made visible.’ What a privilege to be entrusted with this new ministry at my age!
If you are feeling drawn to some role or a task in his kingdom for the next season of your life, ask God to give clear signs that this is his calling. For although we are all ‘priests’, ‘no one takes this honour for himself, but only when called by God’.
Lord, may everyone who serves abide in you trustingly and humbly. Please show me if you are calling me into something new. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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PRAYER FOR TODAY