Grateful for Our Access

Tuesday - November 17th

Day 17: Attitude of Gratitude

Scripture to Read Today: Hebrews 4:12-16

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Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

Through a friend, Lesli and I received an invitation to the Billy Graham Library Dedication in Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 31, 2007. About 1,500 guests celebrated the Grand Opening of the 40,000-square-foot, $27 million facility, which sits on 63 acres just four miles from the farm where Graham grew up. It opened to the public five days later for 90-minute self-guided tours with no cost for admission. Former U.S. Presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton spoke of their fondness for the Evangelist, who would die ten years later.

The event was a who's who of leaders within the Evangelical world. It was a tremendous celebration of Billy Graham's life and ministry that honored His God above all else.

It was incredible that Lesli and I got the opportunity to attend such a special event. We were also included with the Graham family's special friends and family for a tour and introduction to the dedication the day before. We had early access to the library that told the story of Billy Graham's life and ministry. The entire opportunity blessed us so much.

Lesli and I recognized the unbelievable access we were given to the library, the Graham family, and so many Christian leaders. We enjoyed hearing each former President speak about Graham's impact on their lives and faith. We had time to stand and chat with some of Billy Graham's friends and co-workers in his ministry. I got to chat with George Beverly Shea - he made How Great Thou Art famous in the United States as he sang it at Graham's crusades. While speaking with him, we also talked to the crusades' music leader, Cliff Barrows.

The access we had to so many people who had impacted our lives in one way or another blessed us tremendously. I am not sure we will have that kind of access to so many influential voices for Christ in our world in one place ever again.

Maybe you have had special access to a big event. Perhaps you've had a back-stage pass at the concert of one of your favorite bands. Perhaps you have had access to someone famous in our world. Access is a remarkable thing.

The Old Testament goes out of its way to demonstrate that all human beings are broken and sinful. Because we do not measure up to God, we do not have direct access to Him. God established many ceremonies, rituals, and priests to demonstrate how cut off we are from God. We do not have personal access to Him.

Jesus came to provide us access to the throne room of Heaven through His death on the cross. His death opened our access to Him. Hebrews 4:16 describes this access that God gives to us. It is clear, and it is bold. "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

When you know Jesus as your Savior, you can go before the throne of Heaven boldly and with confidence because of God's grace. You don't have to perform any ritual, make any sacrifice, or go through any priest. You can go directly to Him with your needs and others' burdens because of the access Jesus has given you.

Any other access pales in comparison to the access that is ours in Christ!

Be grateful for the access you have to God. Go to Him, boldly, in prayer. He welcomes you in Jesus!