Draw Near to God
Opening Prayer
Cleanse me from my sin, Lord. Forgive me and prepare me to come into Your holy presence now, I pray.
Read HEBREWS 10:19-25
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
[19] Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, [20] by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, [21] and since we have a great priest over the house of God, [22] let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. [23] Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. [24] And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. [25] Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What does the writer urge us to do here?This is an unbelievable invitation! The Israelites of Moses’ day could not have believed it was possible; the ordinary Jews up until the time of Jesus would not have dared imagine it. While God graciously lived among his people in the Sinai desert (Ex. 40:34,35), no Israelite would dare come near the holy of holies—not after the lessons of the golden calf. But now, the writer of Hebrews says, we can confidently meet with God (19).
The reason? Jesus has ripped aside the curtain (see Luke 23:45) which separates us from our holy Lord. No longer is a symbolic washing bowl for the priests needed (Ex. 40:30-32): we have been made clean by the blood of Jesus.
If that leaves us shaking at the thought of being in God’s presence, we can be “confident.” Just as the Israelites learned that their God is faithful, so we are reminded that “he who promised is faithful” (23). On the other hand, if we’ve become blasé or over-familiar with our privileged position, perhaps we need to spur one another on (25), reflecting together again on the cost to Jesus of this “new and living way” (20).
Apply
Ponder your attitude toward meeting with God. Are you confident in Christ, yet not taking it lightly?
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for leading me into the presence of Your Father. May I never take that privilege for granted.
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