Speak Freely

(Heb 4:16 KJV)  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

(Proverbs 29 also read)

God is holy.  Coming into His presence is intimidating.  Think of the words of Isaiah as he had a vision, which was obviously from the Lord, and thought of himself as being face to face with the Most High God,

(Isa 6:5 KJV)  Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.

This is the witness of the Old Testament.  God is holy.  We are human.  It is presumptuous to come into His presence.

While I was thinking about that this verse came to mind.  Instead of fearing the face of God it tells us that, in Jesus, we can come and pour out our hearts to Him, without fear.  That term, “confidence” (3954) in the NASB and “boldly” in the KJV seems to have the idea of speaking freely.  I can pour out my heart to Him and know His compassion.  The emphasis is not on His holiness but on our attitude as we come before Him.

So?  Rejoice.  Think of the Christmas carol that says, “O come let us adore Him.”  He waits to meet with you.

Time for a Little Fear

(Proverbs 2:5 KJV)  Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

“Fear” (3374) of God is natural.  Human beings are not equipped to feel comfortable around the divine or the eternal.  Think of the general reaction to angels appearing:  fear.  Remember Isaiah’s response to being in the presence of God.

(Isaiah 6:5 KJV)  Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.

I imagine that even a rebellious unbeliever would quail in the presence of God.  Swagger would dissolve into knees of jelly.  There would be an unavoidable awareness of the gulf between a holy Creator and a sinful creature.

That is not true for believers because through the blood of Christ we have been enabled to approach the throne with boldness.  At times we get a little too cocky and familiar.  It is important that we have the fear brought back to its healthy balance.

So?  Fear enough to be in reverence.  Fear enough to be in awe.  It will open the gate to His presence.  Most of us will be like the shepherds in the field more than the wise men coming from afar.