Seeing Christ in the Shadows: Coming Boldly to the Throne of Grace

Brothers and sisters, as we approach this beautiful season of Easter, I’ve been pondering something that keeps echoing in my heart, something that feels like the very marrow of our discipleship: the concept of approaching God’s presence.

When we talk about the Atonement, we talk about the ultimate breakthrough—the veil being parted. We talk about the Holy of Holies, and the sheer weight of what it means to stand in God's presence. It’s easy, when we’re comfortable in our own little corner of the covenant path, to forget just how much we need that grace. It’s easy to start building up walls—walls of perceived perfection, walls built from the fear of what others might think.

But the message today, illuminated so beautifully in this message, is a profound invitation: Come boldly to the throne of grace.

The Weight of the Veil and the Gift of Grace

Think about the symbolism. The veil, separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies—it was a physical barrier, a reminder that even the highest sanctuary required specific, sacred protocols. It speaks to our inherent separation from God’s fullness, our need for mediation, and ultimately, our need for mercy.

What struck me most while watching this message was the idea that everything, from the Passover lamb to the covenants made at Sinai, is a shadow pointing toward the substance: Jesus Christ. It’s like the ultimate game of spiritual detective work, isn't it? We are tracing the threads of prophecy, seeing how every seemingly disparate piece of scripture—the law, the temple rituals, the very seasons—is designed to lead us right back to the Savior.

This is the essence of being an internet missionary today. We aren't just sharing facts; we are pointing to the pattern. We are showing investigators that the entire grand narrative of the Plan of Salvation culminates in the Atonement.

Cultivating a Bold Heart

The message reminds us that fear—fear of judgment, fear of failure, fear of the unknown—is what keeps us from coming boldly. It makes us hesitant to speak up in missionary discussions, or hesitant to share our testimonies in a small group setting.

We are called to be unshaken. Not unshaken by opposition, but unshaken by doubt, by the weight of our own imperfections, and by the whispers of the adversary telling us we aren't worthy. We must remember the compassion and condescension of Christ—He didn't wait for us to be perfect; He met us where we were.

If you are feeling the weight of expectation right now, whether you are preparing for your own mission, serving as a returned missionary, or simply trying to live more fully as a disciple in your own home, remember this: The grace offered through Christ is bigger than any fear you carry.

“Whither the throne of grace, that we may find mercy in time of need.”

This week, let’s commit to looking for the shadows. When you study the scriptures this week, don't just read the text; ask yourself: What is this pointing to? Let that question guide your study, whether you are in a Book Club or wrestling with a tough question alongside Davee.

If you want to dive deeper into how to articulate these profound concepts when an investigator asks a challenging question, I highly recommend running through some scenarios with Davee. He’s fantastic at walking you through the AI Investigator role, helping you craft answers rooted in grace and truth. For those who want to keep this momentum going, join our weekly Disciple Challenge—it’s a wonderful way to practice sharing our testimonies with fellow disciples, no matter where we are!