Access Granted!

Mark 15 (vs.37-38)- And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last breath. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom…

This year I was able to spend a little time in the amazing New York City. While we were there, we determined to make time to view Trump Tower. The building was absolutely incredible; and very true to its name. It seemed to go on and on vertically for miles. We went up to every floor we could, but after about a quarter of the way up, there were no more visible escalators, other than the one that would begin our journey back down to the lobby. There were no points of visibility to see anything that reached further than the level we were standing and below. There were secured doors at every corner, but only those with special access codes were allowed to go beyond that point.

This is, of course, to be expected and the reasons behind such security are entirely understandable. Still, there was a daunting curiosity that was hard to ignore. I wonder what’s up there? Is President Elect Donald Trump here for the holidays? Is the rest of the building as breathtaking as this small portion we’ve already seen? So many questions floating around the brain that will (more than likely) never be answered. Only a select few are permitted to enter those doors… and I’m not one of them.

Back before Jesus was crucified, (paying the ultimate price for our sins), getting to God was pretty much the same way. Only priests were allowed to go behind the “curtain of the temple,” aka: the veil. No one else was able to come directly to Him and experience His presence. There were none worthy. Sacrifices could be made; commandments followed. However, feeling Him and coming into contact with Him was saved for those anointed as priests and prophets.

Jesus broke that barrier for us. The very fact that the veil was ripped from the top to the bottom is evidence enough that a strong, supernatural “Force” destroyed that separation between God and man. Now, any of us can approach the Father, by going through Jesus Christ, His Son. (John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5) His sacrifice- His gift- when accepted, makes us worthy… because He stands in the gap for us, makes us clean, and intercedes for us. This allows God the Father to look at us and see spotless, perfect souls because of His Son.

How special does that make us to Him; that He would give us access to everything He possesses and all that He is. We don’t have to bare all of our soul before another individual in order to receive God’s acceptance. Kneeling humbly at His feet is all that is required. He will meet you where you are!

If you don’t know just how important you are to the Creator of this world, remember this occurrence. All those metaphorical doors needing special badges or access codes to reach your Savior- no longer stand in your way. YOU, I, WE have been given access to enter the door to reach our God. (John 10:9) There’s nothing standing in your way…

Prayer: God, I thank You for making a way for me to get to You. Thank You for taking my place and making me worthy enough to feel Your presence, Jesus. May I experience You near me each day. In Your name I pray, amen.