The Door

"This shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the Lord: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee." (Exodus 29:42)

I've been reading about all that was involved in the prelude to Israel's approach to God by way of the Tabernacle. All the interior and exterior hangings and furnishings, as well as the priest's garments, the rituals and sacrifices. And yet the Bible tells us, for all this preparation, "John Q. Israelite" could still only come as far as the door. After that, he had to be represented by the high priest. My mind went immediately to Hebrews and the contrast between their approach to God...and ours.

The writer of Hebrews declares that you and I, as New Testament believers, can come directly to the throne of grace (Heb.4:16). And it is not without significance that he uses the adverb "boldly." After reading Exodus, our immediate right of entry to God truly seems audacious. Why were they stopped at the door and limited from access to the Holy of Holies, while you and I can lift our hearts to God at a moment's notice to worship and petition Him? Chapter ten of Hebrews tells us the reason. It is because the final Sacrifice has been offered, and a "new and living way" has been made through the veil of "his flesh." Now, you and I don’t have to stand at the door and wait; we have "boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of his flesh" (Heb.10:19-20).

Child of God, Come right up; walk right in; the Door’s always open!