A Graceful Invitation



I received a special invitation to a function in Goldsmiths' Hall last week and was very excited to attend. For over 700 years, this opulent building has served as the guild's headquarters for testing and hallmarking precious metals. 

Unfortunately, that evening, there was an issue after school, not linked to a precious metal, but something equally precious to the members of Paul's Pizza: the pizza didn't arrive! The delay in sorting this out led to a strong possibility that I would not arrive in time for the special lecture, but, after a stressful tube journey, a re-installing of my directional maps, and a discussion with a helpful passer-by, I arrived just at the last minute, so you can imagine my distress when I entered the hallway and saw a row of security guards in front of me! However, a voice came from one side saying, "He's my guest; let him through!" (It was the friend, who had very kindly invited me and was running the entire event.)

We ascended the remarkable staircase, walked past the golden statues (wondering which of us they resembled more...) and entered a guilded theatre, where even the roof (pictured above) was stunning! My friend had flown in a famous archaeologist from America to give a cutting edge lecture on the work going on in Sardis. Known as the "City of Gold," it was an important centre of the ancient world, involving many different cultures, and mentioned in numerous historical texts, including the Bible.

After the event, I was invited to be part of the small group having dinner with the speaker and the organiser insisted that I have the additional honour of being seated right beside the speaker! I felt totally unworthy (but was glad that I had listened well and was up to discussing the finer points of the pottery of the period!). With the speaker on one side, a supreme court judge on the other, and a representative of the British Museum opposite, there was no lull in the conversation!

What struck me most about the evening was the grace the speaker showed: welcoming me with wide-open arms as I appeared at the last minute; inviting me to dinner; and placing me at the right hand of the famous professor. 

I hope that he would agree with me in saying that his amazing kindness is still just an echo of God's grace towards us. God invites us into his kingdom by grace and opens his arms wide to welcome us; he brings us to a land where even the streets are paved with gold, where all cultures meet, where he wipes away our unworthy feelings and makes us delighted to be accepted by his grace; he brings us into his presence, seats us at his table and makes us part of his conversation, all by grace.

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Hebrews 4:16




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