It's Always Open At The Top!

One Sunday, a preacher was delivering his sermon before a large congregation. He pointed out that Christians are not exempt from trouble. He went on to say, “Some Christians are surrounded by trouble —  trouble to the right, trouble to the left, trouble in front, and trouble behind.” After hearing these words, a man who had served the Lord for many years, shouted, “Glory to God, it’s always open at the top!”

This man’s confidence in God is fully supported by Hebrews 4. Because our great High Priest, Jesus the Son of God, has ascended to heaven and is interceding there for us, we have good grounds for trusting Him in the midst of trouble (Hebrews 4:14). Jesus is able to sympathize with our weaknesses, for when He lived on earth He was tempted in every way that we are, yet He never sinned (Hebrews 4:15). His throne is completely approachable and is called “the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16).

The writer of Hebrews urges us to look up from our trials and approach that throne boldly by faith. Through humble prayer, we will receive mercy for our failures and grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

Beloved, are life’s trials and temptations hemming us in? Has the tempter told us there’s nowhere to go? Take heart —  Keep looking up —  it’s always open at the top! (Colossians 3:1-4).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets