Full access

TODAY'S READING: Hebrews 4:14-16
When I was a teenager I had a season pass to Cedar Point. Over those several years I became very familiar with the park. I knew how to get to each ride. I could tell you where the restrooms were. I even knew what each food stand served. But there was always one area that brought mystery. Whenever I encountered an "Employees Only" sign I would wonder what was on the other side. I would sometimes watch as an employee walked in or out to see if I could catch a glimpse of the other side.
Then in college I got a job at Cedar Point. Suddenly I had access to the "Employees Only" area. In a weird way there was a sense of power knowing that I could walk in that area that was once off-limits.
There was a time when most of God's people did not have direct access to God. The High Priest had special permission to enter the Most Holy Place and deal directly with God. He would enter this place once a year to offer a sacrifice for the people of Israel.
But with Jesus came a change. Consider the words of the gospel writer..."Then Jesus shouted out again, and he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain in the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom." (Matthew 27:50-51)
Now, most of us have little training and instruction in Jewish law and ritual so we can miss how HUGE this one passage is. When Jesus gave up His spirit, the curtain was torn in two. The "Employees Only" sign was gone. The barrier between us and God was removed. The curtain that had hidden the secret area reserved for the High Priest was split in two. God Himself, through the person and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, removed that which had been between us. (Notice it was torn from top to bottom.)
No longer would we need someone to go before God on our behalf. God Himself had taken on the role of High Priest in the person of Jesus. In one act, Jesus became our sacrifice, our mediator, and our High Priest. Now each of us could have direct access to God through the Son.
Sometimes it seems like many Christians don't comprehend this. Sure, they may say they understand it, but do they live like it? How many of us still approach God timidly, like we are not sure if we are allowed to stand in His presence?
While we are not worthy on our own to stand in the presence of God, the blood of Jesus makes us worthy. His sinless, perfect life, offered as a sacrifice on a Roman cross, grants us access. Not just access so we can sneak into the presence of God. Because of Jesus, we can boldly approach the throne. We can come to God with confidence because of who Jesus is and what He has done. His sacrifice provides us access to what was once an "employees only" area.
As you deal with struggles and difficulties in life, remember that you have direct access to One who can help. God is not a distant Being sitting behind a curtain. He is a living God who is ever present. He is a caring Father waiting for you to come to Him. He is a concerned and loving Creator who gave a part of Himself because of His love for you.
Let us resolve to no longer approach God apprehensively. While we should always respect God, we have no reason to fear entering His presence. Let's listen to the words of the Hebrew writer. "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it."

shine!
Jason