FIRST CLASS PRIVILEGE
I am not a man who likes to travel. I hate the stress and hassle at the airport, the incompetence I’ve so often experienced, the TSA pat-downs, the stupid security lines, being treated with such indignities, the noise, the crowds, the long waits, the delayed flights, then being crammed onto a plane, sitting like a sardine in a can, my sore aching back, in terribly uncomfortable seats. I’ve easily flown over 200 times, having traveled outside of the country almost 40 times. So I assure you, I am not exaggerating my many awful experiences. There is, however, one particular flight that stands out to me. I had just spoken at a conference in Honduras. I was taken to the airport, and after standing in a very long line for some time I was finally at the ticketing counter. The agent looked at me, gave me a huge smile and said, “Pastor Mark, I just saw you speak at the conference. You blessed me so much. I am going to upgrade your flights back to Minnesota to first class for free!” I was stunned, and so grateful. In all my years of flying I’d never flown first class before, but I’d always wanted to as I observed how much better they were treated, fed, and the huge comfortable seats those customers got to sit in. Plus they always got on and off the planes so fast. This would be a dream come true as I was going to be many hours on planes that day.
I assure you it did not disappoint! Man, it was all I imagined, until I hit customs. But that’s another story, and another reason I hate flying.
How many of us, if we knew we had the privilege each time we flew to ask for a free upgrade to first class, with the assurance we’d get it, would ignore it, choosing to fly coach instead? Can you even imagine someone so foolish as to let the chance slip by? I tell you I would ask every single time without fail!
So, think about this. As believers, you and I have been given the most extraordinary privilege in the universe! The privilege to come boldly, confidently, right into the very presence of God, absolutely, always assured of His warm, enthusiastic welcome, to ask for whatever help we need, with God’s promise we’ll receive it!
So here’s the question… How many times a day do you? How many hours do you devote to putting this unbelievable privilege to good use? Why would any of us ever let this privilege pass us by, going unused, neglected, or ignored? Is it perhaps because you don’t believe it? Or perhaps you’re just too lazy to exert yourself to take advantage of this incredible privilege?
Can I tell you a secret? My daily, hour-long prayer walks, my daily times praying with my wife, take far less effort than packing my bags, driving to the airport, standing in the insane lines, going through security, waiting in the crazy gate, sitting on the cramped airplane, getting to my final destination!! Even if I was in first class!! My prayer times accomplish far more, take far less energy, yet reap a million times more benefits!! They also greatly ease my burdens and refresh my soul! Flying never does that!
There is simply no greater privilege in this world, afforded to us as believers, than to boldly, confidently approach the Throne of Our Gracious God to receive His mercy, His help, and His answers to all our prayers!
I urge you, start now taking full advantage of this privilege every day of your life! This is real first class privilege! Use it, or life will soon be over and you’ll have greatly missed out for most of your life!
Hebrews 4:16 NLT
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy and will find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 CEV
So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved grace, and we will find help!
Helping you become a Strong Disciple,
Because of Jesus,
Pastor Mark Darling
