Burn Your White Flags (Hebrews)Намуна

For hundreds of years the temple stood as a reminder that while God was present, His presence was also hazardous. 

In fact, the holiness of God meant that only one person—the high priest—entered into the presence of God once a year. And when he did (on the Day of Atonement), he did so in reverence with the protection of blood sacrifice and a smoke screen (Leviticus 16:13). Without this, he died!

So the invitation to ‘draw near’ is a stunning reversal of how things have been. 

Access to the presence of God that had previously been off limits. It would make no sense then to return to the old system, given the staggering access we have in Christ to God.

To draw near is an invitation to relational nearness, to experience God. 

Consider the privilege of access, of nearness, of being close to God. 

We have the privilege of spiritual relationship and proximity to God like the high priest himself never knew, and like every old covenant worshipper would covet. 

The Psalmist says, “For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness” (Psalm 84:10). 

So, as the preacher of Hebrews encourages, let’s draw near, lean in, and enjoy the blessing of access to God. You can come in confidence and assurance of faith today.