An Invitation to Receive

 “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV)

I have come to realize I am not great at receiving. This pertains to gifts but also time, energy, and prayer. If I know someone well I enjoy searching for the perfect gift that will bring them joy. But when asked what I want for Christmas I have a hard time coming up with anything. Similarly, I find it easy to give of my time to support a friend, or of my energy to pray for others. But, if someone asks how they can support me, I am not quick to answer. When we give to someone else, the focus is on them. However, receiving turns the spotlight our way and that can be intimidating. Sometimes, the act of receiving can be difficult, perhaps because it requires a level of openness and vulnerability.

Although it may be challenging, our Heavenly Father invites us to receive from him. He knows everything about us, and yet he still wants to give us good gifts. Hebrews 4:14-16 calls us to confidently receive from God because of the gift of Jesus. Out of his great love God gave us his son, to live among us, experience our pain, take on our guilt, and give us salvation. The Christian life centers on receiving this gift, however, receiving Christ isn’t a one-time event. It is an invitation to continue receiving. To accept God’s promises and his help. As the author of Hebrews says, we can come before our Lord with confidence because he wants to give us mercy and desires to help us in our time of need.

So, what do you need to receive from your Heavenly Father? Maybe you are tired and worn down and need renewed strength (Isaiah 40:31). Perhaps you are saddened by pain in your own life or someone else’s and you need to receive joy and hope (Romans 15:13). Or maybe you are worried and anxious and need to receive God’s promise of peace (Matt. 11:28-30, 1 Peter 5:7). Whatever the situation, God desires for us to receive his promises and his presence and remember that we do not journey alone.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, We are so grateful that you are a gracious God who gives us good gifts. We thank you the ultimate gift of your son and pray that each of us would fully receive and accept what Christ has done for us. As we go throughout our week, may we do so with the courage to receive your promises and your grace to help us. Thank you for your constant presence with us. We pray this in your son’s name, Amen.

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