I love the images of doors that cannot be opened. Doors that have been permanently sealed. Re-engineered. Locked, never to be unlocked. This is not the simple matter of a massive stone that can be rolled back. This is a door that has been closed to all who desire to enter.
How different is our path to light and life? Knock and it shall be opened.
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:19-22)
These words lift my heart and my soul. Having recently read the oppressing words in Leviticus, I can tell you that pages and pages are devoted to the creation of the temple that traveled with the Israelites as they wandered the desert. The temple that housed the Arc of the Covenant, the place where Moses and Aaron communed with God. The holiest of Holies. The “most holy place”….until we were saved. Then, through the blood of Christ, we are granted a spiritual meeting with God in the Most Holy Place that can be found anywhere, any time – in our direct, sanctified communion with Him.
In the Old Testament, the temple was finally built as a permanent structure in Jerusalem. In the New Testament we see that the Priests have become corrupt with power. Money changers and vendors work there. Jesus preached there. And when Christ died, the temple curtain was torn and the rules changed. We don’t need pages and pages of rules telling us how we can safely approach God. Our faith and our pure love of Jesus throws open the doors and invites us in to the blessed inner chambers of our Lord. Alleluia!
God, I pray that I never take for granted Your blessed presence. I know that we value the things we have to work for. A relationship with You is a gift, but it does not come without effort. May I always find the time and energy to focus on You. To put the effort in to seeking You and listening for You. You made the ultimate sacrifice for us – Your son. There is nothing we can sacrifice that compares, and yet You ask nothing of us but our devotion to You. Help me to maintain that perspective. Your greatness is beyond measure. If ever I believe the door is closed, help me to open my eyes and see the torn curtain and the path opened by the blood of Your crucified son.
Amen.
