Thank You, Jesus!

Yearly Reading: Leviticus 14-16

The Lord said to Moses: Tell your brother Aaron not to come just at any time into the sanctuary inside the curtain before the mercy seat that is upon the ark, or he will die; for I appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat. Leviticus 16: 2 NRSV

What strikes me in this reading is the unavailability of God. I am so used to going to God all through the day with my prayers and questions. I take for granted that I can enter the sanctuary at any time however I may be dressed or even clean. There is nothing that prevents me from receiving God's mercy and grace.

All of this is thanks to Jesus Christ.

It isn't just the slaughtering of animals that Christ removed by dying on the cross. Christ also removed the barrier of the individual to communicating directly with God. There is no need for a priest, a sacrifice, special garments or a ritual cleansing. God is present to us in the everyday and can be approached by us just as we are.

Have you ever thought of how accessible God is to you? Have you really taken the advantage of being with God just as you are? Take some time this day to think about how approachable God is to you thanks to Christ Jesus.

God, thank you for the gift of approachability that Jesus gave to us in our relationship with You. Help us to be ever close to You. In Jesus' precious name. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims