Value

  Some harmonicas are cheap. That is, they are inexpensive compared to some other musical instruments. A good Heckel Bassoon is now running around $36,000 dollars compared to the average harmonica, it is more valuable. Our band in Roanoke, had two bassoons in it and both of them were Heckel bassoons. A graduating bassoonist was once asked about her future and she said she had two choices in life. She could either buy a Heckel and remain with her parents for the rest of her life or purchase her own house. She decided to purchase the bassoon and remain in her parent's home. When you get a possession like a Heckel bassoon, even the case for it is expensive and to protect the case, you purchase a cover for the case. It is like double protection for your investments. The more something costs, the more tendency we have to protect our investment. Our most valuable possession, however,  was our salvation, and is a free gift according to Ephesians 2:8-10. It cost us nothing, but cost God everything (John 3:16).   Hebrews 4:14-16 says, “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” 

          There are some instances in life where something of great value is given to us and we fail to honor that which has been given.  It is almost like the saying that goes, “Familiarity breeds contempt.” It cost us nothing and so we don't value what we have until we no longer have it. My thoughts for today are centered upon our relationship with God. Christians can become lazy in their relationship just because God is always there. He has given us a copy of His Word and while you don't worship the book itself, you do, or at least should do, worship the Author, God Himself. I am often drawn to the passage for today when speaking about our prayer life. Because of the work of our High Pries, the Lord Jesus Christ, we have access to the very throne of God. Because of the victory of the Lord Jesus Christ over sin, we have access to speak to God Himself. When Christ died on the cross, the veil in the Temple between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies was torn in two, from top to bottom. Access was made for us. Our personal salvation was guaranteed by the work of Christ on the cross and His resurrection from the grave. How great is that? It means that you can now speak to God any time you want and that you can come boldly to the throne of grace. That's better than being in the presence of any earthly president or king. It is is better than the most luxurious spot on the earth that has been made by man. As soon as you say the words, “Dear Lord” or “Our Father,” you are ushered into His presence. Perhaps we have said those words so many times, that we have forgotten where we are going when we say them today. Perhaps we have also forgotten the impact of the Bible when we read, “Thus saith the LORD...” Our passage goes on to speak about our needy condition and when are we not in that state of affairs. It seems that we are always in need of the LORD in each and every situation that occurs in our lives. Now we can find that grace to help in time of need. Praise God today for the fact that you can say, “Our Father....” and He is there.