JANUARY 29, 2013
Red
Tape
Read: Romans 5:1-8
Through [Jesus] also we
have access by faith into this grace in which we stand,
and rejoice in hope of
the glory of God. —Romans 5:2
The
expression “red tape” describes the annoying way that bureaucracy prevents
things from getting done. Originally, the phrase referred to the common
practice
of binding official documents with red ribbon. In the early 1800s, the
term was
popularized by the writings of Scottish historian Thomas Carlyle, who
was
protesting governmental foot-dragging. Following the American Civil War,
the
problem of “red tape” resurfaced as war veterans struggled to receive their
benefits.
The term denotes frustration and disappointment because of the
burdensome hurdles
it erects to accomplishing goals.
Bureaucratic
red tape is almost legendary, but there is one place in the universe
where it’s
never an issue—the throne of God. In Romans 5:2, Paul speaks of Christ,
“through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand.”
When
our hearts are broken or our lives are troubled, there is no red tape
hindering our
access to God. Jesus Christ has paved the way so that we can have
access to enter
boldly into the presence of the King of heaven (Heb. 4:16).
Remember,
when your heart is hurting, you don’t have to cut through a lot of red
tape to
present your needs to God. Through Christ, we have full and immediate access.
Thank You, Father, that access to Your throne
has been secured for us by Jesus Christ. We
know that You will not ignore us. Thank You for
the confidence we can have that You care.
God’s throne is always accessible to His children.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
