"Holy of Holies" November 18 Readings: Ezekiel 41-42, Hebrews 10, Psalm 125, Proverbs 28:10–11

Today's Readings -  Ezekiel 41-42, Hebrews 10, Psalm 125, Proverbs 28:10–11

Devotional 

It was hard to get to God in the Old Testament era. One had to travel to Jerusalem (or wherever the tabernacle was in the pre-temple days) and secure a sacrifice. That sacrifice was taken by the priests and put on the altar. But to enter the Holy of Holies - that was even more difficult. No one could go there, where the presence of God dwelt; no one except the high priest and then only once a year. On that day he would enter the holiest place on earth to sprinkle blood on the mercy seat and make intercession for the sins of all Israel.

But that all changed one day on a hill just outside the gates of Jerusalem, where a man hung on a cross. He was not just a high priest, but a Great High Priest. Having shed his blood, he ascended and went through the heavenly curtain to make final intercession for us, purchasing our redemption and atoning for our sins.

But he did something else that day. He opened a new path to heaven, to the presence of God.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus—he has inaugurated for us a new and living way through the curtain (that is, through his flesh)—and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water.  Hebrews 10:19-22.

Now, because of Christ, it is no longer difficult to enter the presence of God. We can walk through the curtain boldly in the name of Christ into the heavenly Holy of Holies. We have a new and living way to God. 

And we are enjoined, in verse 22, to take advantage of this, to draw near to God in faith, knowing that it is opened to those who are in Christ. The redeemed must choose daily to take advantage of this blessing God has granted us, and walk boldly through the curtain, drawing near to him. 

Father, what a shame that your Son opened this new and living way into your presence and yet so often I fail to seek you with full assurance. Today, I draw near to you because of Christ. 

Think and Pray

Give thanks that Jesus opened a new and better way for us to approach the "Holy of Holies" and to be in God's presence.
Are you regularly taking advantage of the access you have to God in the name of Christ? "