Let Us

Let: To permit; to allow.

Webster's 1828 dictionary adds:

Followed by the first person plural, let expresses exhortation or entreaty; as, rise, let us go.

Us: objective case of we.

It is a collectivist term.

In the book of Hebrews (which I am currently working through), the writer uses the phrase let us 13 times in 12 verses.

One of those times is in Hebrews 4:16:

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

However, how do we typically apply that verse? Do we apply it collectively (even though it begins with let us)? No, generally we apply that verse individually. Relating to this verse specifically, we think: I (individually) need to come boldly to the throne of grace during my times of need so that I (individually) can experience God's mercy and grace.

But, if we believe in the literal interpretation of God's Word, shouldn't that mean that (in relation to this specifically) that we (collectively) should come together God's throne of grace; that we (collectively), as a local church body, should pray together during our times of need so that we (collectively) can experience the mercy and grace of God?

Please understand, I'm not trying to take away from an individual's need of praying but could it be that we have so focused on the individual application of such verses and completely neglected the collectivist application of such verses? Just a thought.

Allow me to give you some food for thought in this regards...

In Numbers, the children of Israel were faced with the prospective of entering the Promised Land. However, due to unbelief, they were forced to wander in the wilderness for forty years. But, what about Joshua and Caleb? They believed God; they believed that they (collectively as a nation) could enter the Promised Land and defeat the inhabitants. And yet they (Joshua and Caleb) suffered along with the rest of the children of Israel for 40 years. Yes, forty years later, Joshua and Caleb entered the Promised Land. But, how did they enter? Individually or collectively? They entered collectively as a nation.

While we each, individually, must accept Christ's death, burial, and resurrection for ourselves - no one can do it for us. God has designed us to live the Christian life in a collectivist manner - as a local church.

Until next time...LET US...reach 1!