January 4, 2023

AN ALL-ACCESS PASS

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart,

Matthew 27:50-51 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

Some years ago, I was a speaker at a convention for teenagers. I was the old guy they brought in to talk about missions. When I arrived, they had someone assigned to escort me around and they gave me a badge to wear around my neck. Printed in bold letters was my name and the words, “All Access.” I quickly discovered there was power in that badge. I could walk behind the stage, into any of the rooms, and throughout the facility with no one stopping me to ask why I was there. I had full access. In life we often discover there are barriers we can’t get past. There are those signs designed to stop us. Signs like, “Employees Only.” That lets us know only the special people get to walk through that door. In the Ancient Near East the Temple in Jerusalem was representative of the presence of God. The Holy of Holies housed the Ark of the Covenant and above the Ark was the mercy seat. Once a year the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies to present the blood of the Passover Lamb on the mercy seat as a covering for the sins of the nation., God had declared that He would dwell on that mercy seat. But only one man, on one day a year, could enter the presence of God. That was until Jesus came and died on the cross. When Jesus died on the cross the paid the price for the sins of humanity. He opened the presence of God to all people. To illustrate the impact of Jesus’ death God chose to rip the curtain that blocked the entrance to the Holy of Holies. The veil was ripped from “top to bottom.” It was initiated by God not by man. God was removing any barrier to the presence of God. He was inviting everyone, everywhere, to come and enjoy the presence of God. We should daily remember the privilege we have of entering God’s presence through the name of Jesus. This should not be a last resort when all else fails. This should be a daily experience of talking to Father God and listening to His voice.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, please help me to daily come into the presence of Father God. Help me to learn to listen daily to Your voice.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”