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4 July 2007
Ephesians 3 v 12-13
In Christ we can come before God with freedom and without fear. We can do this through faith in Christ. So I ask you not to become discouraged because of the sufferings I am having for you. My sufferings are for your glory.
Today we can approach God through Jesus, anytime we wish. Imagine that! Can we approach the Queen of England, a prime minister or an ambassador freely and whenever we wish? What a thought. Yet we can approach the creator of the cosmos and all that we can see in this world. Take a moment to understand this.
During the Old Testament period the very idea of approaching God was a no, no. In fact people would not even mention the name of God for fear of destruction. That's why the terms "ELOHIM", "EL SHADDAI", "ADONAI", "EL ELYON", "EL ROI" and many more were used. All throughout the Old Testament only the sanctified Levites could serve in the sanctuary of God in the temple where the presence of God was. Even then it was only the high priest who could approach the inner sanctuary at specific times of the year. Why? Because God was so holy. The very presence of God would destroy mere sinful mortals like us.
But Christ changed all that. We no longer need special mediators or saints who represent us (1Timothy 2:5). Jesus Christ has taken that role and has done away with the sins that separate us from God. There's a 24 hour line directly to God. Let us be grateful for this special privilege.
Paul also says that his sufferings are for other's benefit. He was in prison for spreading the gospel to the Ephesians. He put himself at risk for others so that they might come to God.
What risk are we willing to take to spread the gospel of Jesus.
Lord Jesus thank you for offering your life as a mediator for me. You are that special friend that I have never had, a friend who will always be there that I can rely on. Thank you. Amen.
Written by Douglas Cruz
Ephesians 3 v 12-13
In Christ we can come before God with freedom and without fear. We can do this through faith in Christ. So I ask you not to become discouraged because of the sufferings I am having for you. My sufferings are for your glory.
Today we can approach God through Jesus, anytime we wish. Imagine that! Can we approach the Queen of England, a prime minister or an ambassador freely and whenever we wish? What a thought. Yet we can approach the creator of the cosmos and all that we can see in this world. Take a moment to understand this.
During the Old Testament period the very idea of approaching God was a no, no. In fact people would not even mention the name of God for fear of destruction. That's why the terms "ELOHIM", "EL SHADDAI", "ADONAI", "EL ELYON", "EL ROI" and many more were used. All throughout the Old Testament only the sanctified Levites could serve in the sanctuary of God in the temple where the presence of God was. Even then it was only the high priest who could approach the inner sanctuary at specific times of the year. Why? Because God was so holy. The very presence of God would destroy mere sinful mortals like us.
But Christ changed all that. We no longer need special mediators or saints who represent us (1Timothy 2:5). Jesus Christ has taken that role and has done away with the sins that separate us from God. There's a 24 hour line directly to God. Let us be grateful for this special privilege.
Paul also says that his sufferings are for other's benefit. He was in prison for spreading the gospel to the Ephesians. He put himself at risk for others so that they might come to God.
What risk are we willing to take to spread the gospel of Jesus.
Lord Jesus thank you for offering your life as a mediator for me. You are that special friend that I have never had, a friend who will always be there that I can rely on. Thank you. Amen.
Written by Douglas Cruz