The throne of grace

When I was a little boy, there was an electricity substation on the other side of the fence at the bottom of the garden, with warning signs to keep out. But it looked as though it might be possible to climb the fence and get in, and I often wondered what would happen if I did.

One day, in answer to my questions, my dad drew me a picture to illustrate what it would be like to have several thousand volts going through my body. It was enough to put me off!

Old Testament Israel’s experience of worship was a bit like that. God Himself dwelt in ‘unapproachable light’ in the Tabernacle in the wilderness. Later, in the Temple in Jerusalem, there was the inner sanctuary, the Holy of Holies, where God dwelt among the people. Only the high priest could enter into the presence of God, only once a year, and only after elaborate sacrifices. For everyone else, the message was, ‘Danger! Keep Out!’ But the high priesthood of Jesus gives all of us confidence to approach God at any time. The word translated ‘confidence’ means ‘boldness, openness, frankness.’ And we can approach about any matter at all.

And what shall we find? All that we need!: His mercy, and His grace.