Memorise: Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, Hebrews 10:19
Read: Esther 5:1-3
Bible in one Year: Job 32-34
When Queen Esther went into the inner court of the king, she risked her life, but because she obtained favour, the king stretched the golden sceptre he was holding towards her. She was then allowed to approach the king and he made her an incredible offer. The first thing we learn in this story is that powerful kings are not easily approached except according to laid down rules, otherwise the individual could lose his or her life. As it is with earthly kings with regards to access, so is it with the King of kings. When God was about to come down on Mount Sinai, He gave specific instructions to the children of Israel. For them to approach His presence, they were to be set apart for two days, abstains from sex, wash their clothes and make themselves presentable. Yet, while in God's presence, they must keep a safe distance from the mountain. Whoever touched the mountain - be it man or beast would have to die (Exodus 19:10-13). Not even the priests were allowed .to climb up to meet the Lord at the top of the mountain; any priest that dared violate God's instruction would be personally dealt with by God (Exodus 19:22).
Similarly, during their worship in the temple, while everyone else could worship at the outer court, only the Levites could access the inner court, while only the high priest was allowed once a year, to enter the innermost part -the Holy of holies, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. While going in, the high priest will have a rope tied to his leg and some bells were attached round about the lower ends of his apron, so that if he goes in and is not clean enough and dies in God's presence, the rope will be used to pull him out. But while ushering in the New Testament by His blood, our Lord Jesus Christ changed this. When He died, the curtain preventing people from seeing the Holy of holies was torn into two, meaning through Jesus Christ, we can now access God directly (Hebrews 9:1-8; Matthew 27:50-51). Today, to access God's presence by the blood of Jesus, all you need to do is to come to Him with thanksgiving and to worship him with praises. However, never take such easy access for granted! It cost Jesus Christ His life! But if you come before His presence with sin in your life, you will not be able to gain access except you first repent and forsake the sin. You must have clean hands and a pure heart, a right spirit and humility. Come with praise and thanksgiving. Come in the name of Jesus and you will gain entry. Thank God for the easy access we now have into God's presence.
Prayer point: Father, thank You for giving me access into Your presence. Lord, let me never be denied this access both now and in eternity.
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