The book of Hebrews has captivated me for nearly a year. As I studied, the word invitation reverberated in my spirit. Hebrews dramatically brings together all the thematic threads of the Scriptures into one crystal clear focal point. God created the universe as a magnificent stage for mankind. Everything was designed to point to God and, ultimately, to the redeeming work of Jesus. The Creator specifically fashioned humans, His supreme creation, to be in close relationship with Him.
In Hebrews, we learn that God invites us to draw near to Him, right into the heart of His holiness and majesty. A privilege available to all, but redeemed by so few. Various obstacles hold me back as I realize what I grasp in my hand has more value (I think!) than the terrifying prospect of being naked before His consuming fire.
When I read Scripture as a list of rules to make me acceptable, I distort their meaning and purpose. Undoubtedly, some are self-imposed when I believe I really can do enough to merit a place in His Kingdom. These regulations allow me to trust in my ways and not His. Therefore, I avoid the intimacy required by all-out trust in letting His work be complete–once and for all, without my help or efforts.
Yet, when I let down my defenses and move toward the Truth that He fully paid for my sins, He knows all my steps, and that God Himself will fulfill His purposes in me, I am aware of other besieging realities.
This trust comes with a price.
Life is not in the easy lane simply because I put my hand in His. I am constantly admonished in Hebrews to hold fast, don’t drift away, don’t be deceived, remember, don’t neglect, don’t harden my heart, have confidence, be eagerly zealous. I read that I need Jesus to be an anchor and a frapping* and something far greater and better than anything of the past. These admonitions, out of context, belie various dangers and seem to call forth my effort to connect with God. However, when joined with the entire text, God’s character, promises, and power are the linchpins to which we hold.
What is the end goal of this life of faith and trust? Firstly, because of love for me, The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have already intertwined their lives with mine. God has equipped me to live gloriously and victoriously in a fallen world. The Father freely offers freedom, righteousness, and full participation in His attributes. He draws me to walk with Him as He brings me to completion, maturity, and perfection. Secondly, He has given me a divine purpose of participating with Him in bringing many others to glory and redemption. In His power, I stand united with other believers in the fight against evil and bondage and destruction.
My Savior is weaving a grand story through my life. This narrative is priceless and beautiful as I respond favorably to the invitations of God and allow the Holy Spirit to be in control of my days.
Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.
Hebrews 7:25
*Frapping is a nautical term which means to bind or wrap a ship tightly with ropes or chains so that it will hold together during the storm.
(C) 2020 Holly Craw
Are there ways God has invited you to draw near to Him? How have you responded?
Are there obstacles which hold you back? How have you overcome them?
Please share your experiences in the comments.
Designed to Draw Near 
Thanks for this post and for asking us to share in it. God has invited me to partake in His Spirit, power, glory, grace, story, work and more blessings than can be listed! The biggest obstacle has been the flesh, overcome, moment by moment in prayer meditation on His Word and repentance.
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I am in awe nearly every day that we are able to share in everything of Jesus! All of His attributes and power and purposes are in our hands and we are full partakers of the divine nature. Living in the fullness of Christ is beyond amazing, even during the hard times.
Thanks so much for your lovely comment!
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