CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Sunday, November 8th, 2015
Ezekiel 18:1-19:14
Hebrews 9:1-10
Psalm 106:32-48
Proverbs 27:10
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/10Dt708
Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people’s sins committed in ignorance; the Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing, – Heb 9:7-8
Under the Old Covenant, the only person allowed into the Most Holy Place – God’s manifest presence – was the High Priest. The High Priest was allowed access into the Most Holy Place once per hear. He would have to offer a sacrifice to atone for his sins, and the sins of the people of Israel. He would wear bells, and the other priests would tie a rope around him. If he did anything wrong in God’s presence, God would strike him dead on the spot. The other priests would know he had messed up because the bells would stop ringing, and the priests would pull his body back out of God’s presence.
Under the New Covenant, all restrictions to God’s presence have been removed! If you have given your life to Jesus Christ, you have an all access pass to God’s manifest presence! You don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing! You don’t have to worry about being punished for messing up! Whatever you need, just ask! We are now free to, “…come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 9:16)!
You and I could never earn the right to be in God’s presence. Thank God Jesus Christ made a way, so we can enjoy His presence for all time.
Prayer:
Father, You made a way where there was no way. Thank You for uninhibited access to the throne of grace. I am not worthy, but You have welcomed me into Your presence all the same.
© Michael D. White, 2015. All rights reserved.