The Secret Place: 21 Day DevotionalSample

ACCESS GRANTED

Hebrews 10:19-22

The early books of the Old Testament provide us with a greater depth of understanding and appreciation for the level of access we have to God in this dispensation of grace. At one point in history access to God’s inner sanctuary, direct access to God's presence was only the privilege of a select number of priests and on behalf of God's people these priests would offer sacrifices and offerings in order to cleanse the people and pray on their behalf. But all the animal sacrifices under the Old Covenant could just cover sin but God always had a plan for our redemption. He sent His son for a purpose because it was only Jesus Christ, the perfect sacrifice of the New Covenant that could take away our sins. In fact, if we go back to Adam and Eve and after they had disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, God banished them from His presence and restricted access to Him. Some versions (ERV) even say that God forced them out of the Garden. ‘So the Lord God forced the man out of the Garden of Eden to work the ground he was made from. God forced the man to leave the garden. Then he put Cherub angels and a sword of fire at the entrance to the garden to protect it. The sword flashed around and around, guarding the way to the tree of life.’ Access now to God’s presence had been denied because they were defiled. In the New Testament, we learn that Jesus is the Way, The Truth and the Life and belief in Him grants us access to eternal life. It grants us access to a relationship with God and so grants us access to know Him: Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. (John 17:3).

So now, because of this perfect sacrifice we have full access to God for ourselves, our union with Jesus Christ has found us sanctified! We are now able to have one on one, anytime and anywhere access to God. But if we now have this access, why do we take it for granted and neglect the opportunity we have for communion with God in prayer? A conversation with an Israelite from the Old Testament today would be eye opening on both sides: they saw the hand of God move for them time and time, miracles after miracles but very few were able to speak directly to their Heavenly Father. Today we have the spirit of God living inside of us, each of us can speak to God and He speaks back to us. A simple dialogue like between two friends, the casual exchange of voice notes over What’s app. The anchor scripture in Hebrews 10 says " .complete freedom to go into the Most Holy Place .So let us come near to God ." Our positional sanctification in Christ has opened the door to the complete freedom we now have to access the Most Holy Place. Do not neglect that privilege, choose to commune with God like a friend, sharing openly and often. A wrapped gift will never get to show its full value, as you unpack the gift of sanctification and journey with Christ to live a life of holiness to God we all come to realise that prayer is everything. Without it we can do nothing but with it we can do anything.

So, child of God, press in prayer and experience His powerful presence.