From the beginning of the fall of man, humanity’s story has been one of separation and restoration. Sin caused mankind to flee from the presence of God, but Jesus came to bring us back into fellowship with the Father. Just as fear and shame caused Adam and Eve to hide, God’s love and mercy now call us back into His presence.
Hebrews 4:14-16, “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession… Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
This invitation is one of the greatest privileges given to mankind. Because of Jesus Christ, we no longer have to run from God. We can run to Him.
Adam and Eve Ran From God
In Genesis 3:8-11, after Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command and ate from the forbidden tree, the Bible says:
“And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.”
Notice what happened.
Before sin entered the world, Adam and Eve enjoyed unhindered fellowship with God. There was no fear. There was no shame. There was no guilt. They walked with God and enjoyed His presence.
But after they sinned, everything changed.
When they heard God approaching, they did not run toward Him. They ran away from Him.
Why?
Because sin produces fear and shame.
Adam answered God:
“I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.”
Fear and shame was now operating where innocence once existed. The relationship had been damaged. Broken.
Ever since that day, mankind has been repeating the same pattern. People hide from God because they fear condemnation. They hide because of guilt. They hide because of shame. They hide because of failures, mistakes, addictions, disappointments, and sins. Many people believe God is angry with them and wants nothing to do with them. So, they run. Some run into work, relationships, entertainment, or religion. Others simply ignore God altogether.
But the root issue remains the same: fear and shame; sin.
God’s Heart Has Always Been About Restoration
Even in the Garden of Eden, we see God’s heart. God asked Adam. “Where art thou?” God was not asking because He didn’t know where Adam was. God knew exactly where Adam was.
The question was an invitation.
God was calling Adam out of hiding. God was saying, in essence, “Come back to Me.”
That has always been God’s heart. Throughout Scripture, we see God pursuing mankind.
He pursued Abraham, Moses, David, Israel. Often through prophets.
And ultimately, He sent His Son Jesus to pursue us.
Luke 19:10 says, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
God is not hiding from humanity. Humanity often hides from God. But God continues to call people back into relationship with Himself.
Jesus Made a Way Back
The greatest demonstration of God’s love was the cross. Our sins created a separation that we could never repair ourselves. No good works (self-effort), nor religion could remove our guilt. Jesus came to do what we could never do by living the sinless life we could not live. By dying the death, we deserved. He took our judgment upon Himself. He shed His blood for the forgiveness of our sins. Through His death and resurrection, He opened the door back to the Father.
Romans 5:8 tells us, “But God commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Notice that Christ didn’t wait until we got everything right. He loved us while we were still sinners. He came looking for us while we were still hiding.
Because of Jesus, we are no longer separated from God. We have been redeemed.
We have been restored. We have been reconciled to the Father.
The Throne of Grace
Hebrews 4:16 gives us an incredible invitation:
Telling us to not come fearful, hiding or ashamed but boldly. Not what we deserve but because Jesus has made a way. The throne of God is a throne of grace of grace. A place where mercy, strength, forgiveness, wisdom, any help you need is available. God invites you to come.
The King’s Extended Scepter
In the Old Testament, approaching a king was serious business. A person could not simply walk into the king’s presence whenever they wished. The king had to extend his scepter as a sign of acceptance and permission to approach. Even Queen Esther risked her life by entering the king’s presence without first being summoned. Her life depended upon whether the king would extend his golden scepter.
Now think about this. God is the King of kings, the Creator, the Almighty God. Yet through Jesus Christ, He has figuratively extended His scepter toward us. The invitation has been given. The door has been opened. The way has been made. The relationship that was broken by sin has been restored through Christ.
So, come! With your burdens, struggles, questions, weaknesses and receive instead mercy, grace, help. The cross declares that the Father is waiting with open arms. That is the heart of our heavenly Father. When we turn toward Him, we discover He has been waiting for us all along. The cross has removed the barrier. The blood of Jesus has provided forgiveness. The throne of grace is open.
The King’s scepter has been extended.
The invitation is clear:
Marguerite Wafula