NOTHING STOPPING US NOW
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16, ESV
Theme: You are now invited into the presence and throne room of God.
HOLY PLACES
The Western Wall of the Temple mount, all that remains of the last (Herod's) temple, is always filled with people. It is not part of the actual temple, but the pediment upon which it stood. It is the holiest place on earth to the Jewish people. Christian tourists often stop and pray here, also. It is called “the Wailing Wall” due to the tears, prayers, and psalms offered up there.
Off the plaza at the Western Wall, below street level and current residences, the Rabbinical Tunnel runs along the temple mount wall. In places, you can see the cobblestones of the street present at the time of Jesus (and Herod). In other places, you can see the temple stones which were pushed off the pediment and are tumbled in a heap. At one juncture, there is a niche against the wall, supposedly the closest place in proximity to the former Holy of Holies.
BARRIERS
To approach the Western Wall, even non-Jews must dress respectfully. “Women and men should dress modestly in the Western Wall Plaza. To pray at the wall, women should have their legs and shoulders covered (scarves are provided at the site). Men should cover their head.” To enter the tunnels, you must also have a tour guide, who must have an appointment scheduled for the visit.
Twice, Mike and I have had the life-changing privilege of visiting Jerusalem and the Temple site. The first time I visited, I could go just so far, but as a woman, I could not walk up to the Wall. The second time, the entire plaza was segregated. I did not notice this and was stopped by a military guard (machine gun and all!) before I accidentally stepped into the men's side. However, the division was from the Wall back across the plaza, so I could now approach the Wall on my side of the barricade, along with many Jewish women.
BELIEVERS ENTER EASILY
As a believer, I have known for years that I can just approach God in prayer. And I know this was made possible by the blood of Jesus. To me, it seems natural to pray directly to Him, without specific places, or priests, or saints to intervene for me. To be stopped from entering a holy place...well, that seems non-egalitarian, artificial, and a manufactured impediment to worship. Yet if I am “all-fired up” about these barriers, why do I not avail myself (passionately and frequently) of the access I already have? There is no need to protest and demand my right to enter: Jesus has made it perfectly right and acceptable for me—a sinner, a woman, and a Gentile—to enter. That is amazing. That is mercy. That is grace.
COME TO HIM
Margaret Becker has a song called “Just Come In,” which deals with the one obstacle that we ourselves place on entering: guilt. Her lyrics lead us to imagine God inviting us, insisting we leave our shame at the door. “Just come in. Just leave that right there; Love does not care. Just come in. Lay your heart right here; You should never fear.” For me, this is the final frontier—my own shame and fear. Though Jesus has forgiven me, I must choose to trust Him, accept that forgiveness, and “with confidence draw near to the throne of grace” to meet with God.
Make It Personal: Do you take advantage of the right you have been given to enter the throne room of heaven in prayer? If invited to enter an earthly throne room, we’d jump at the chance! What is our excuse for ignoring this invitation to enter, pray, and spend time with God, for “wasting” the pass that has been purchased for us?
Pray: Lord, thank You for making a way for me to come before You. Thank You, Jesus, for freely paying the penalty so that I have access to heaven and to Your throne. Spirit, call me to worship and communion with You. Help me value this precious gift. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
Read: Acts 17:24-28; Romans 8:26-28; Revelation 4
Weekly Memory Verse: “...if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14, ESV