Imagine it… A certified “official looking” envelope delivered to you personally from the most powerful person in the world. You sign for it and open it carefully with heightened anticipation. Inside is a certificate with an access card that grants you personal right of entry into the presence of the important person himself, and to his entire operation and resources where He promises to meet any challenge or need you may be facing! What a privilege – what an opportunity – what a responsibility! Unbelievable eh?
However that is precisely the kind of access to God Christians enjoy through Christ Jesus! I read about it this morning in the Bible during my time of “Coffee with the Lord” (in what I believe to be one of the most incredible passages of Scripture in the Bible)! So here it is right out of the Bible…
First, the right of access:
“THEREFORE SINCE WE HAVE CONFIDENCE TO ENTER THE MOST HOLY PLACE by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is His body, and since we have a great high priest over the house of God…
Then the privileges and responsibilities:
“LET US DRAW NEAR TO GOD with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water…
“LET US HOLD UNSWERVINGLY TO THE HOPE WE PROFESS, for He who promised is faithful!
“AND LET US CONSIDER HOW WE MAY SPUR ONE ANOTHER ON TOWARD LOVE AND GOOD DEEDS, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (From Hebrews 10:19-25 NIV)
THE IMAGERY? Right of access into the very presence of God – into the “Holy of Holies” – the place in the ancient “tabernacle” or temple where the potent, powerful presence of God revealed itself.
THE PRIVILEGES AND RESPONSIBILITIES?
First, to be able to approach the “Living God” with sincerity and faith – having been cleansed from all sin!
Then, having “hope” (a confident expectation) that God will faithfully fulfill all His promises!
Finally, recognizing that we are not the only ones given this wonderful privilege of access, but encouraging others who share it, every time we meet together, to live righteous, godly lives as we await the wonderful day that we will enjoy His presence forever!
My prayer? Oh Lord, may I fully comprehend and appropriate what is mine in Christ Jesus!
Coffee With The Lord 