We are told to “draw near with confidence to the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16) yet when we think about God’s greatness we often feel more like shrinking back. At least that’s how I have often felt, how about you?

Our picture of Creator God on his throne seems so majestic it is almost intimidating. There are the four beasts with all the eyes and then the throngs of angels singing “holy, holy, holy” and the sea of glass and the river flowing. Who am I to elbow my way up to the front? If anyone is hanging in close, shouldn’t it be Abraham or Moses or maybe Paul?

Perhaps if we think of it that way, it’s true. But if we think about God’s invitation to us to be called “Father” we can have the confidence he proposes. Children, after all have special privileges. I always remember how President Kennedy’s little son John often played under his father’s desk in the Oval office. No other guest was as important.

There are times when I really need to get in close. I want to put my hand on his knees and tug for attention. I want him to lean down and turn his ear to my requests as if no one else was in the room.

Jesus said; “‘Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'”(Mark 10:14) That sounds fine to me; I’m glad to be a child if it that’s my permission slip to squeeze in close.