The Throne of Grace — 2016.04.11
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
Today is the day of grace! Let us use it well; let us bring the greatest possible advantages out of it.
When something is given free of charge, people stand in long queues to get it. They make all efforts to get as much of it as possible. As for us, today is the day of grace – and we are certainly in need of grace, mercy and help.
Esther was the queen of the Persians and her husband was the famous king, Xerxes. She had to ask a big favor – a very important request – from her husband. She was thinking about how to achieve that the king would let her go to him uninvited, so that she could speak to him privately. Should she perhaps go to the king unwashed, without any make-up, with uncombed hair with ashes poured onto it, and torn clothes? No – she washed herself, put on her best clothes and jewelries. And she managed to find favor in king’s eyes.
When we come before our God, what does He see?
And how do we even see ourselves? Sometimes we are still too proud and not humble enough. We are still filled with greed and are not modest enough. There is still envy and malice lurking in us and we are not filled with mercy. We still see our mistakes to be too small, and tend to examine the faults of others as if under a microscope. We still judge others too much…
How then can we stand before this holy God, before this incorruptible Judge who sees all our thoughts, words and deeds? Let us do then like Esther. Let us wash ourselves – the soap and water of Jesus’ forgiveness washes us from all our sins. Let us take on the new and clean clothes of salvation that Jesus gives us. Let us put on our jewelries, which Jesus has prepared for us – a diadem, on which it is written: God’s child. A bracelet, on which it stands: God’s property. A golden necklace, on which it stands: Rescued and bought by Jesus. A ring, on which it stands: Do not be afraid. And let us take Jesus into our hearts and let us throw away all envy, avarice, pride and self-righteousness so that His light could shine in and through us. In this way we can come boldly to God’s throne. And what will God see in us? He will see Jesus in us. Is there anything that God could deny from His Son, the Lord Jesus? No, there is nothing, because God’s fatherly heart beats with love and mercy toward His holy Son. And I just receive this grace – grace upon grace –, mercy and help. These are the things I really need. Jesus is the One who makes me brave, so today I should not be timid and should just receive these good gifts.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, that is because of You that I can come to the throne of grace. You live in my heart that is why I can have grace, mercy, forgiveness, help and comfort. Oh, how good is it that You live in me! Yes, Lord, joy fills my heart, because I am one of God’s beloved child.
Bible reading today – Galatians 3,19 – 4,7