Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Heb 4:16)
Sometimes I take for granted the wonder and absurdity of the invitation extended in Hebrews. That someone like me – in all my human fragility, mortality, and failure – is invited into the throne room of God. More than that, I am told to approach with confidence.
How can I be confident? I am approaching the King of kings. I should be prostrate before Him for eternity. This is also the very King whose law I consistently break. Daily I uproot His created order and mount a rebellion against Him. Not only should I be prostrate, but I should be begging for mercy as well. Yet, the King’s hand remains extended, graciously inviting me to draw near.
It is not that the King is unaware of who I am, blindly extending grace to a stranger. It is actually quite the opposite:
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Heb 4:13)
I am fully known by the King. All that I am, have done, and will do is uncovered and laid bare before His eyes. Furthermore, it is not that the King simply looks past what He sees. His just nature would never permit that. Even still, He awaits my confident approach.
The seeming absurdity of this invitation melts away in one profound truth: I am His child. Suddenly, the image shifts from that of a lowly criminal before a mighty king to a child approaching their loving father. A transformation from dread to grace. A redemption accomplished only through Jesus.
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. (John 1:12-13)
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God (1 John 3:1)
Let us take joy in the position Christ has won for us. Let us marvel at the great love the Father has lavished on us.
Finally, let us approach Him with confidence; delighting that our every way is laid bare and uncovered, and knowing His love, mercy, and grace await us.
12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Heb 4:12-16)
–Brandon Hayes
Recent Comments