WORTHY TO ENTER
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “...he [Jesus] entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.” Hebrews 9:12, ESV
Theme: Jesus is worthy to enter the Holy of Holies and rescue us eternally.
WORTHY
After scoring the winning goal (or any goal!) on the soccer team. At the daughter’s wedding, which you have planned and prepared. At your mom’s table, where your favorite meal is being served on your birthday. At the Super Bowl when "your” team, the underdog, your loyal favorite for many years, has just beaten the odds and won the game. At a fancy party for which you received a hand-written invitation with your name, and then remembered to buy, wrap, and bring a thoughtful gift. Some bathrooms require a purchase but, at the shop where you daily buy a drink...Do you feel worthy in those places? How about in the holy presence of God Almighty? Are you worthy?
We feel worthy to be in places where we are known, contributing, and loyal. Places like home, on a team, at a familiar event, and in shops or restaurants where we spend money. What must we do to feel worthy among church people? Even more daunting, are we worthy to be in God’s presence? Only if we don’t sin and have never sinned can we be worthy. “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard” (Romans 3:23, NLT). Yet Jesus is qualified and qualifies us, also.
ENTER
Entering the Holy of Holies was mostly forbidden. Only one person was admitted, once per year, after many specific sacrifices and detailed rituals had been completed per exact instructions. Conversely, “he [Jesus] entered once for all into the holy places,” (Hebrews 9:12a, ESV). His sacrifice was His own blood and it redeemed all of us eternally.
Everything changed. The “do not enter” sign was torn down. The veil separating the holy of holies from the rest of the temple was torn. Now we can all enter into the holy of holies. In fact, the holy of holies comes to us, with us, and within us. I know how unholy I am. When I think about Jesus’ sacrifice to purchase my place, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. We are wholly unworthy. We don’t have anything of value to offer to a holy God and yet Jesus gave everything He had to justify us.
RESCUED
We have been redeemed, rescued, and justified. Jesus saves us now and forever “not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12b, ESV). We are free to enter in by Jesus, the Gate, though we could never earn this admittance to heaven on our own.
Make It Personal: What spaces are you comfortable in, feeling worthy of attendance? Where or when do you feel unworthy? How do you feel about access to enter the holy of holies at any time, because of Jesus’ blood sacrifice?
Pray: God, I’m not worthy to look at Your face or be anywhere near Your presence. Yet, Jesus has made a way for me. He is the only one worthy. Help me to remember His goodness. I don’t want to undervalue my ability to enter the holy of holies or neglect time with You. Renew my gratitude and fervor for communion with You, for the fellowship of the Church, and help me to love people like Jesus did. In Jesus’ strong and worthy Name, amen.
Read: 2 Samuel 22:4; 1 Chronicles 16:25; Matthew 10:38; 2 Thessalonians 1:11; Revelation 5:11-13
Weekly Memory Verse: “And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.” Matthew 27:50-51a, ESV