What do a hug from your mom, high-fiving a coworker, visiting a friend or relative in the hospital, and snuggling a newborn have in common?
In their own distinct ways, each act is a response to an invitation (spoken or implied) to draw near or come closer. Each act points to a close relationship and each act shows love in a tangible way.
Can we remind you that we have access to the same type of relationship with God? And that He invites us to draw near and find help when we need it?
“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
If we stop to truly consider what this verse means, it’s kind of stunning! The idea that we, as sinners, totally incapable of making ourselves “presentable” to a holy God, are invited to come into his presence with confidence is downright scandalous! But, for believers, that’s exactly what the invitation means!
How is it possible? Only because of the grace of God on display in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Take a look at the couple of verses right before Hebrews 4:16:
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
Hebrews 4:15
Jesus’ perfect life and sacrificial death purchased our ability to draw near! It’s a familiar truth, but hear it again with the idea of being invited to approach God:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16
Because of God’s love and Jesus’ obedience, believers are forever reconciled to God! And that means that in grief, in sorrow, when we’re confused or overwhelmed, and in every other imaginable circumstance… we can draw near to Him to “receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
As Paul David Tripp puts it in his book New Morning Mercies, “His grace is your hope.”
Friend, let’s take advantage of the privilege we’ve been afforded as followers of Christ—let’s draw near! Let’s get into the Word of God. Listen to some worship music. Call a friend and pray together. Talk to God as we journal our thoughts. Meditate on a particularly helpful verse. Go for a walk, marvel at creation, and thank God for it.
According to the author of Hebrews, we have no reason to hold back or come timidly, so let’s draw near with confidence!
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