The Weekly Word: Through Jesus we have direct access to our Heavenly Father

By Pastor Matt Howlett, First Baptist Church

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 and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another– and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

— Hebrews 10:19-25

In a time of uncertainty, the word of God remains eternal.

The author of Hebrews reminds us that through Jesus’ loving sacrifice, we have access to God in ways previously only available to the specially selected few.

The Most Holy Place, a special area in the temple of worship, was only accessible to the high priest, and even he was only allowed to enter once a year. Jesus Christ’s coming, for the salvation of all those who repent and call upon his name, changed all that.

The curtain, separating this Most Holy Place from the rest of the temple, was torn down and we now have instant access to our Heavenly Father. This fact alone triumphs over any negativity or frightening news we read or hear about today.

Whether it’s global pandemics, murder hornets, natural disasters or any number of the other things going on in the world today, it is all secondary to our savior coming for the forgiveness of our sins and granting us access to our Father.

This truth allows us to draw closer to God, knowing that the sacrifice made for us by his son has washed us pure.

The author of Hebrews goes on to tell us to hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, and to encourage one another. We must continue to encourage each other, now more than ever, regularly lifting each other up and helping to push each other forward.

When fear, doubts and uncertainty creep up on us, we can drive those things away through the power of the Holy Spirit. We can draw closer to our God, as we draw closer to each other.

While we have not been able to meet regularly in person for awhile, God has provided us with many amazing ways to continue to gather and have his mighty word proclaimed.

God has much more in store for us, if we remain faithful.

Remember that Jesus Christ gave us the ultimate gift, to come before the father, and above all else we can seek an intimate relationship with him as we continue to reach out to all those people that have blessed us in our lives.

God’s grace and peace to all of you, as you continue to navigate through these days.