Boldly
In the spring of 2008, HBO released a mini series about the second President of the United States John Adams. Shortly after Whitney and I were married we rented the DVDs from Netflix. We enjoyed it very much, especially how it brought to life the gritty aspect of the time period. One of the many amazing aspects of Mr. Adams’ life is that he was the first United States Minister Plenipotentiary to Britain following the Revolutionary War. The first discussion between John Adams, declared a traitor some eight years earlier, and the King is portrayed in one of the episodes. Prior to the introduction scene, there is a scene in which Adams receives instructions on how to enter the room where the introduction will take place. Adams is expected to curtsy upon entering the room, again after a few steps and then finally one last time while in the King’s presence. The actors do a masterful job in portraying the tension in the room. Adams repeats the actions as he leaves, never turning his back to the King.
I can’t imagine the amount of struggle in that first conversation and then add all the extra rigors of showing proper reverence. I am not one for pomp and circumstance. I usually like to cut to the chase and get whatever needs to be done, done. I have often criticized all the shenanigans that go on at a royal wedding. Whitney loves all of it.
It reminds me of the freedom we find in Christ. Christ deserves all of our reverence (Colossians 1). Every one will one day confess His lordship, over all and in all (Philippians 2:11). He deserves all of the pomp and circumstance that comes with royalty. Yet in Hebrews 4:16 in the KJV, it says, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” I don’t think, “boldly” necessarily equates disrespectful but it does mean we can be honest. The previous verse speaks to Jesus’ ability to understand our feelings, emotions and circumstances. Jesus’ blood gives us the ability to be honest with our Creator as Jesus is all the “pomp and circumstance” we need. This is part of the reason that we pray in Jesus’ name.
While it is always a good thing to take the stance of humility (bowing our heads, getting on our knees or even face down), it has more to do with the respect and trust found in our hearts toward God. While I’m thankful that I don’t have to curtsy three times when approaching the throne of God in prayer, it is a great reminder of the respect and gratefulness we should express towards our loving Father. He wants us to run to Him with our hurts and our celebrations. Appointing time each day to convene with the LORD is a good practice but we need no appointment for the Father’s ear to be tentative to us. May we strike the proper balance, as defined by God alone, between respect and honesty towards Him. The main point is that we turn to Him whatever the circumstance may be.
Travis