Access, granted.

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  Hebrews 4.14-16

Over the past few weeks God has been speaking to me through this passage in Hebrews. This week, He came back to this passage once more, only this time bringing with it a clear picture of my relationship with Him through two videos of our dog, Nala.

Now Nala is genuinely the sweetest puppy in the whole world; however, when left alone, without anyone to stop her, she will happily chew whatever is in sight, despite knowing that this behavior is frowned upon. She knows it's bad, but her puppy-instincts just can't be overcome. Check out the first video. The second Noah walks through the door, the shame is written all over her face—her sulking demeanor, her lack of eye-contact, her seeming-desire to want to melt into a puddle and become invisible. There is no desire for intimacy present.

So often that's how we act with God. Whether it's following a sin, failure, or period of hurt or confusion, we fall into the rut of thinking that He doesn't understand; that what I've done was so foolish and petty and ridiculous; that we have no right to run to Him. We start believing lies that we have to perform and be better and achieve perfection and earn our intimacy with Him. But— BUT!

...we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin (v. 15).

So often I forget the very simple, yet very powerful truth that He understands. Our high priest is not one who is lofty and removed, not interested in our everyday struggles and conflicts. He sees us. He knows us. He understands. He can relate. He Himself walked this very earth; He Himself experienced emotions, situations, and temptations just as we have. While He, on the other hand, was perfect and knew no sin, He experienced life on this earth as we have! We have a high priest who can relate to us on an individual, personal level—and that's just His desire.

So, what?

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (v. 16).

Let's look at Nala in the second video. Does she look shameful? withdrawn? Not one bit. She collapses in Noah's arms; she lifts her paw and reaches for his hand; she falls into him, once more desiring the closeness of her master. The trust is restored. She is confident in the love in his love and draws near, content with simply being close to him.

The beauty of the cross is that we, too, have been authorized this freedom, this confidence to boldly draw near to the throne of grace. We have been granted access to the throne room. We need not shrink away in fear or shame. The Father desires us to come to Him. He wants to relate to us; He wants to be our safe place. He understands.

Let us then, with confidence, draw near. . .