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
Emily Post, born in 1872, posthumously became the authority on etiquette in the United States from 1965 to 1992 as her granddaughter, Elizabeth, kept her legacy alive. Her books on the subject sold more than 800,000 copies. Among other things, she dictated the proper construction of an invitation, whether to a wedding, a baby shower, a dinner party, or a gala event. Invitations generally included the RSVP, “respondez sil vous plait,” or “please respond.” Invitations today are often digital, and if on paper seldom engraved or embossed. Yet the idea of an RSVP is assumed, if not directly mentioned.
One commentary says that today’s verse from Hebrews “is one of the most incredibly gracious invitations the world has ever received!” The writer says, “Draw near,” inviting you to come, to approach God’s very throne. While many invitations, such as those for weddings, may include a preferred dress code. God says come as you are, He clothes you in His righteousness when you receive salvation through Christ (Revelation 22:17; Isaiah 61:10; Zechariah 3:4).
The invitation to come before the throne is preceded by the invitation to salvation through Jesus Christ. “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). You don’t have to “clean up your act” first. Jesus died for you while you were still wretched and sinful (Romans 5:8). Jesus said come if you are weary and burdened (Matthew 11:28). The prophet Isaiah said to come if you are thirsty (Isaiah 55:1). Come if you are a child (Mark 10:13-16). Come if you are in need of grace (James 4:6). The unfailing love of the Lord will surround those who trust Him (Psalms 32:10).
God’s invitation requires your RSVP. His arms are open to receive you, but you must respond. Life is too difficult to navigate alone. Just admit your vulnerability, acknowledge your need for the Savior, and come to Him with the desire to abandon your unrighteous ways. “The Lord is ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love” (Nehemiah 9:17). Respond to His gracious love for you! Pray for the men and women in the halls of government to respond to the invitation that has been extended to them, and come to the Savior.
Today’s Verse: Hebrews 4:16
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.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: John 1:1-5, 9-13
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
