The Holy of Holies

The presence of God...

I was just listening to "Take me In" by the Christian rock band Kutless. This is a powerful and rocking worship song where the singer says to God "Take me in to the Holy of Holies..." It resonated with something that has been on my heart the last few weeks, namely, the desire to see God more and more as a person and not as an idea. Now I know, the whole premise of being a Christian is that we have a "personal relationship with Jesus Christ." The problem, for pastors too, is that life can get in the way and we can lose the "personal" part of that relationship. Prayers become a discipline instead of communication, and our faith becomes a philosophy and "code of conduct".

That's why I need reminded now and then, even by a song, that being a Christian means we have been invited in to the Holy of Holies. We are made clean by the Blood of Jesus and are invited past all the old trappings of the tabernacle that separated the people from God.

If we are to be the church that we are truly called to be we must use every means God has given us to draw nearer to God both as individuals and as a congregation. Use God's Word. As we read through the Bible together use the time to get to know God better. As you pray, pray remembering that you are asking a real person to meet your needs and the needs of your friends and family. Take time to listen, really listen, for who God wants you to be, and what he would have you do. Worship. Sing praise, surround yourself with uplifting music that Glorifies God and the things God calls good. Surround yourself with people who when you are down will lift you up and who will push you into the Holy of Holies with them when you are dragging your feet.

Finally whatever it takes, remove from your life whatever separates you from God and from the duties God has given you to your family, your congregation and your own walk with Him. Idols are not always other gods. sometimes they are images of the real God that we give our attention to instead of looking to live in His real presence.

Now I know this all sounds hard. That's why the last word here is that it is something that has already been done for you. It was Jesus that gave you access to the Holy of Holies by applying His own blood to your account. So church, lets use the privilege we've had purchased for us at such a high price, and go in to the Holy of Holies every time we come together and anytime we feel we are far from God.

In Christ and on the Shepherd's Path,
Mark