Vital signs
For hundreds of years the temple stood as a reminder that while God was present, His presence was also hazardous.
In fact, the holiness of God meant that only one person—the high priest—entered into the presence of God once a year. And when he did (on the Day of Atonement), he did so in reverence with the protection of blood sacrifice and a smoke screen (Leviticus 16:13). Without this, he died!
So the invitation to ‘draw near’ is a stunning reversal of how things have been.
Access to the presence of God that had previously been off limits. It would make no sense then to return to the old system, given the staggering access we have in Christ to God.
To draw near is an invitation to relational nearness, to experience God.
Consider the privilege of access, of nearness, of being close to God.
We have the privilege of spiritual relationship and proximity to God like the high priest himself never knew, and like every old covenant worshipper would covet.
The Psalmist says, “For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness” (Psalm 84:10).
So, as the preacher of Hebrews encourages, let’s draw near, lean in, and enjoy the blessing of access to God. You can come in confidence and assurance of faith today.
”Therefore, brothers and sisters, 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, 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.“
Hebrews 10:19-20, 22-25 NIV
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