Artwork, "Into the Most Holy Place" by Rebecca Brogan
The humble heart might be content to be a doorkeeper who waits upon the threshold of God's house (Tuesday's post). And yet such humble hearts—who recognize their desperate need for our Lord and call upon Him—are invited across the threshold.
Therefore, brothers, having boldness to enter into the Holy of Holies by the blood of Jesus ... let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies having been washed with pure water.
~ Hebrews 10:19-22 (MKJV)
Two thousand years ago, Gentiles had limited temple access, permitted in only the outermost court. A ritually clean Jewish woman could enter the next court, and her husband the innermost court. Priests alone entered the temple itself.
For those of us redeemed with the blood of Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords carries us across the threshold, passing beyond His courts and through His sanctuary. He has ripped down the veil that once set Him apart from His people and receives us in His inner chamber, the Most Holy Place.
Why then, when our access to the very presence of God was purchased at such high price, do we either hesitate to do so or find other places of greater interest?
What might prevent you from drawing near?
Lord, I confess that I allow myself to become too busy and too distracted. Please forgive me. Please put in us all a heart of repentance for all that offends You, and impress us the great honor of being drawn close to You, in Your most holy and intimate place.
Your comments, questions, and respectful disagreement are most appreciated. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments, or e-mail buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Sometimes I just want to see Him. My physical self is left wanting to see.
ReplyDeleteThis post made me think of the way the curtain temple ripped...is it true it ripped from top to bottom? God connecting with us, inviting us into relationship.
~ Wendy
It was like the time back in 2008 that I hit my all time low and wanted to exit this life thinking I was all alone and no one really cared. Fortunately I got another chance at life and know better now. This was awesome Anne. Thanks
ReplyDeleteOdie
Anne, we can so easily take for granted the access we have to Him. What an incredible time to be alive. Makes me want to draw near all the more. Thank you.
ReplyDelete[Comment posted by Wendy 05-12-2011 at 8:17 am:]
ReplyDeleteSometimes I just want to see Him. My physical self is left wanting to see.
This post made me think of the way the curtain temple ripped...is it true it ripped from top to bottom? God connecting with us, inviting us into relationship.
~ Wendy
Wendy ~
ReplyDeleteThe gospel accounts in Matthew, Mark and Luke all say that the veil was torn in two. Matthew and Mark note that it was torn from the top to the bottom. Since the veil was about thirty feet high and a handbreadth (~ 4 inches) thick, the feat could not have been done by any man, nor even by the accompanying earthquake.
If you're interested, the article "Thickness of the Temple Veil" has more details, with historical sources cited.
[Comment posted by Odie Langley 05-12-2011 at 12:59 pm:]
ReplyDeleteIt was like the time back in 2008 that I hit my all time low and wanted to exit this life thinking I was all alone and no one really cared. Fortunately I got another chance at life and know better now. This was awesome Anne. Thanks
Odie
Odie ~
ReplyDeleteIt seems that having already taken away the veil through His Son's blood, the Lord will use any and all other means to draw us across the threshold. For most (all?) of us, that means the trials which bring us low enough to know how desperately we need Him.
[Comment posted by jasonS 05-12-2011 at 4:12 pm:]
ReplyDeleteAnne, we can so easily take for granted the access we have to Him. What an incredible time to be alive. Makes me want to draw near all the more. Thank you.
Jason ~
ReplyDeleteIt's sad that we take ANY blessing for granted. I suppost that's why we need the Lord to bring us through the ongoing cycle of trial and renewal, so that we again appreciate something as simple yet profound as access to God.
I wonder if we truly realize the privilege and gift that we have been given in prayer.
ReplyDeleteSusan ~
ReplyDeleteIf we did, we'd surely spend more time in prayer.