Just Any Time

Now the LORD spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered profane fire before the LORD, and died; and the LORD said to Moses: "Tell Aaron your brother not to come at just any time into the Holy Place inside the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark, lest he die."
~ Leviticus 16:1-2 (NKJV)

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus ... let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith.
~ Hebrews 10:19-22 (NIV)

Who is like the LORD our God,
Who dwells on high,
Who humbles Himself to behold
The things that are in the heavens and in the earth?
He raises the poor out of the dust,
And lifts the needy out of the ash heap,
~ Psalms 113:5-7 (NKJV)

Years ago a friend told me about sharing the Gospel with a Jewish woman. She was astounded to witness the casual manner with which Christians approached God in prayer.

The Lord has not changed from the time when Aaron came before the mercy seat with utmost reverence, carrying offerings of blood and incense before him. His two sons had already been struck dead for their carelessness, and he no doubt took the Lord's directions seriously.

Each time we pray we boldly come before the mercy seat in the Most Holy Place of the heavens, where God dwells between the cherubim. If not for the blood of Jesus we would have no place to draw near at all, and certainly not just any time we wish.

The favor we have of an audience with God Almighty whenever we please, to obtain mercy and find grace in time of need, is a privilege we surely do not fully appreciate.

Lord of Hosts, how is it that You, the King of the Universe, should allow us to speak with You? Your great love and mercy is beyond our comprehension. Please let us appreciate with awe the favor You grant to us. Remind us to use our privilege to pray not just any time, but all the time.

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