Hebrews 4:14—5:4

“Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16; NRSV)

Being timid does not seem to be a Godly virtue.  Sometimes one might think Christians are called to be timid, with our reluctance to state clearly to God what we want and need.  Sometimes we seem to think that timid=humility.  The writer of the letter to the Hebrews would beg to differ:”…Approach the throne with boldness…” Step right up and ask of God what we want and need!  It is, after all, the throne of God, who is grace embodied. Furthermore, there is no “but” in this verse, no qualification required to be “good enough” to ask!  When we quit being timid, what then?  The writer says we “…receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Again, no qualifications: We approach in boldness, we receive and find. Time of need?  When do we not have a time of need?

Great God of grace and mercy, remove all traces of timid in us, and thus empower us to truly live as your people! Amen

-Mary Parrish, St. Thomas Episcopal Church