From the very earliest of our days, we have come to appreciate invitations to various events. Whether it is to a playmate’s playdate, to a schoolmate’s birthday party, to a graduation, or a wedding celebration or special occasion meal, 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 elegant 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 invited to the presence of a dignitary, or even a sovereign is a supreme honor. How much more should we be joyfully humbled to receive this summons to enter into the presence of the One who has created us.
Certainly, all invitations should be appreciated, but none more so than the One that calls us to the Throne of Grace by the work of Christ. We find in Hebrews 4:14-16 that this invitation rests in the Person of Christ:
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us take hold of our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things like we are, yet without sin. 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 as 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 (the flesh of Christ—Hebrews 10:20), into the Holy of Holies and into the throne room of God—the Heavenly Temple!
The scene described in Isaiah 6 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), crying “Holy, Holy, Holy, is Yahweh of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory.” The “foundations of the thresholds tremble” (Isaiah 6:4). And, the “…temple is filling with smoke”—the saturation of the holiness of Yahweh (Isaiah 6:4). Yes, that Heavenly Temple.
As we see in the verses above, this invitation is only presented as Christ has paved the way before us—He has “passed through the heavens.” His work has cleared the barriers for us to stand before the most glorious Throne of all. Before many thrones one could expect judgment, but for those who enter humbled in Christ—standing before this Throne as a result of the work of the High Priest—we find mercy and grace.
God has issued this invitation in the form of His Son—the marks written on His hands and feet—a blood-bought appeal to the hearts who would come to the Throne of Grace, cloaked in the righteousness of Christ. Truly, grace was freely 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, Sheep!
RSVP!
Come in! Draw Near!
[The Throne of Grace is part of a forthcoming book, The Sheep of His Pasture]
So beautiful, timely, so appropriate for me. Two of my favorite scriptures Isaiah 6:1&2
They just lift my soul!! Praise God!
Looking forward to the rest of the book.