From the very earliest of our days, we have come to appreciate invitations to various events. Whether it is to a playmates’ playday, to a schoolmate’s birthday party, to a graduation, or a wedding celebration, the invitation speaks to us, and affirms that our presence is appreciated at this celebrated event.
The appeal could come as a personal invitation, an email, or in a phone-call. It may be issued on the finest of parchment and frilly script, and sealed with a wax signet. In any case the expectation is that it be answered in the affirmative… an RSVP.
One is greatly humbled to receive any request to attend, but to be evited to the presence of a dignitary, or even a sovereign is a supreme honor. So, it is expected that we should be joyfully humbled to receive a request, an invitation to enter into the present of the one who has Created us.
Certainly, all invitations should be appreciated, but none more so than the one which requests our presence at the Throne of Grace. We find this invitation in Hebrews 4:16:
“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace,
so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
The request is to “draw near,” to come closer to the God of all Creation. To enter into His presence with confidence… not in fear of annihilation, but one who is the honored recipient of a divine appeal. One is not expecting birthday cake, or a fine meal at this point, but grace and mercy–to dwell in the presence of the Almighty. To walk past the Holy Place, through the rent veil, and into the Holy of Holies–into the throne room of God… into the Heavenly Temple!
The scene is breathtaking:
The Lord is “lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple” (Isaiah 6:1). Seraphim are proclaiming His holiness (Isaiah 6:2). The “foundations of the thresholds tremble” (Isaiah 6:4). And, the “…temple is filling with smoke” (Isaiah 6:4). Yes, that Heavenly Temple.
At many thrones one could expect judgment, but for those humbled in Christ, who stand before this Throne as a result of the work of the High Priest, we find mercy and grace (Hebrews 4:14-16).
God has issued this invitation in the form of His Son–on His hands and feet–an appeal to the hearts who would come to the Throne of Grace, cloaked in the righteousness of Christ. Grace issued upon the Cross.
My Lord, My Lord, Forsaken,
Upon the splintered tree.
He placed upon Him darkness,
Death meant for such as me.
My God, My God, Such Mercy!
Entrusted to Your care.
What bloody form of currency!
What grace was fashioned there!
O Christ! The sacred Lamb of God,
Our Christ! The hope of glory!
Before us hangs the only Door;
Our faith its only key.
What Grace, What Grace awaits me,
In such a holy place.
Through the veil–the flesh of Christ,
Before the Throne of Grace.
Your presence is requested!
Come in! Draw Near!
RSVP
A Special Note:
Hello, I want to thank you for your interest and support of TheShepherdsPen. In light of today’s political climate, and unstable social media, may I ask you to consider subscribing (click here to go to the subscribing page) to TheShepherdsPen.Com to ensure we don’t lose touch? In doing so, normally, you could expect two emails a week from me, one on Saturday, and an “Echo” on Wednesday. I know you have all kinds of things flooding your email boxes, and your time is valuable, so I do thank you for walking a portion of the journey together.
Thanks, Kelly
