by Cathy Vinson

It can be intimidating to think of dealing with the throne of God. Which one of us knows exactly how to receive and find? Do we really know how to mingle with the things of His great throne?

It seems that how we receive is dictated from what's at work on the other end. When we are focused from that vantage, it is "only natural" to think we will obtain what we need.

1) Jesus "has passed through the heavens" (vs 14), made His way, and paved the way to the throne of our need.

2) We are told He is already "compassionating," (with, to suffer), "to have a fellow-feeling with." Because He suffered, He is presently "touched by the feeling" of our lack of strength.

3) "The Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion" (Is 30:18). Oh, do you see Him already rising! He has already been touched, and now we see He is rising to show you.

What remains to occur? Only "Let us come boldly." It has already been in preparation and longed for. Receiving is what, in His grace, will flow out in response.

(Hebrews 4:16)