The Lord is far from the wicked,
but He hears the prayer of the righteous.
Critics of the Bible claim it is filled with contradictions. As an example they compare, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,” against, “Turn the other cheek.” Some critics, and some non-critics alike, think the Bible presents two different gods; the God of the Old Testament—angry, vengeful and always “smiting” people; compared to the God of the New Testament—a gentle, loving and forgiving God named Jesus. Some like the former and some the latter. They want to pick a god who best suits their perceived needs just like Ricky Bobby in the movie Talladega Nights who prefers to pray to the baby-Jesus.
The passage above speaks of the prayer of a righteous person. But the Bible says there are no righteous people. If God hears the prayers of the righteous but stays far from the wicked, and if there are no righteous people, the only conclusion we can make is that God is not listening to anyone and that includes you and me.
That is unless you consider what Paul wrote to the church in Corinth. “He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Cor 5:21 HCSB)
Two things happen here. First, Jesus took on our sin and suffered the wrath of God on our behalf. Second, His righteousness was given to us. When we accept His mercy and appropriate His grace, we become the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Then, and only then, can we approach the throne of God clothed in righteousness and offer prayers that God will hear.
When you approach the throne of God it should be done in humility. Reflect on your sins and visualize the cross. Picture that moment when Jesus looked down and said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) At that moment Jesus gave you the ability to put off your sinfulness and put on His righteousness. Now when you approach the throne of God and He sees you clothed in the righteousness of His Son, you can know that he hears your prayers since you are counted among the righteous and not the wicked. Grace and mercy; mercy and grace; these provide our unrestricted access to the throne of God and a listening ear. Oh how sweet it is to be able to speak to my Creator and Savior anytime I choose.
