This is part 4 of a series using the “Let us” statements of Hebrews to spur us to mutual maturity in Christ. I am using the somewhat ridiculous imagery of a garden of lettuce. Each article or statement is a different head in our gardens. Previous garden spots (don’t forget to keep cultivating these) are:
1. Let Us Fear
This part of the garden is an amazing part.
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
–Hebrews 4:16
Can you fathom that we are urged by God to draw near to his throne? Several thoughts race in my mind.
1. We are to draw near to his throne. We often think of God as our Father. That, indeed, he is. But it would be easy to imagine a father inviting his children to draw near to him. But here we are to think of God as our King. Kings sit on thrones. This is not just any king or any throne. This is the King of Kings and the throne is the place from which he rules and governs. Normally kings only invite those who are loyal to the throne. After all we have been pretty lousy subjects. We have broken his laws and wavered in our allegiance to our great king. Yet still he urges us to draw near to his throne.
2. This is a throne of grace. God is a benevolent king. He offers grace at his throne. Although we have failed to be loyal, we come to find his gracious hand. It is here that we receive mercy and grace in our time of need. We can think of mercy as not receiving judgment for our law breaking. We can think of grace as receiving God’s favor and strength in our weakness.
3. We can approach this throne with confidence. This confidence is not rooted in ourselves. It is rooted in God. The confidence with which we approach the throne is the assurance that God will not condemn us for our sinfulness and that he will give grace for our needs.
Subjects approached thrones in humility. This was usually symbolized by the subject kneeling and/or bowing before the king. It is an acknowledgment that he is God and we are not. He is the king. We are the subjects. So, you are bid to come to the throne. Come when you need mercy. Come when you need grace. Come when you desire to bathe in his presence. Nothing is as amazing as this. Draw near.
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