In the Gospel of St Mark, we find James and John coming before Jesus with a request. They are confident and comfortable in approaching Him. “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you”. This kind of request you can only make if you feel extremely safe in the presence of the one from whom you are making such a request. Even though they approached Jesus with arrogance and a misplaced sense of entitlement, this was the kind of relationship Jesus built with His friends. Jesus was such a safe place for them that they felt that they could say anything to Him, ask anything of Him. This is the kind of relationship He offers us.

We are instructed to approach the throne of grace not because of our good works or holiness. But because of what Jesus achieved on our behalf. And as I approach God I remember that it is not a place of condemnation, but of grace. Grace is the power that enables me to do what I cannot do by myself. And He tells me to come confidently, boldly before Him, fully assured that I can receive mercy and find help in my time of need. Oh how it must grieve Him when we still persist in coming before Him fearfully, begging, pleading and doubting when Jesus did everything that was needed for us to come before God with full confidence.

The sons of Zebedee come to Jesus asking Him to give them places of prominence and significance. They wanted to be remembered as being important. They had no clue what they were actually asking for. I can just imagine Jesus having a little laugh to Himself before He corrects them. They may have left His presence at that moment feeling disappointed because He didn’t give them what they wanted. But Jesus probably knew, that these men who were so impetuous and impulsive would one day be celebrated all over the world. St James the first apostle to be martyred and St John renowned as the apostle of love. This same John who came to Jesus and requested that Jesus give him a place beside His throne was the same John who later was exiled to the island of Patmos. Despite not getting his request met that one time, John never changed his confident relationship with Jesus. It’s that same confidence that God wants us to approach Him with. Maybe yesterday we didn’t get what we wanted from God. And that’s okay because He sees the future – we don’t. He knows the blessing that is coming our way and He won’t let us settle for less. But He invites us to approach Him with confidence, with boldness and with complete trust.

Abba Father, I come before Your throne today confident that I am loved and that I am heard. Help me to walk in faith. Amen