I sat there in church with my mind wandering to my ever growing list of
errands to do that day. I knew I should
have been listening to my pastor, but somewhere between the opening comments
and the meat of the message, my brain meandered over to the meat counter at the
local supermarket and began compiling the list of brats, hamburger, steaks, and
a dozen other items I needed to pick up for the week.
It wasn’t that I wasn’t interested in the sermon… I mean, I was there,
right? Surely I would not make the
effort to be there if I wasn’t interested?
Would I?
And then I realize how often I take for granted the “ease” of coming
before my God. Too often I take for granted
the ability given to me – through the blood of Jesus Christ – to be in
relationship with the One who created everything! To share with him my thoughts and my fears, to
be “real” with Him – in a way that I’m not with anyone else, and yet, how easily
I am distracted by the things of this world.
Reading through Leviticus, I am reminded about the great lengths and
practices Moses and the Israelites had to perform to be near the presence of God. Moses had to anoint everything in the
Tabernacle, and then perform entire rituals for Aaron and his sons - while
everyone watched! Can you imagine how
long all of that must have taken? I use
the excuse that these things had never been done before, so certainly it was
easier for that congregation to stay focused – I mean, they must have been in
awe over EVERYTHING!
So what happened to me? Where
did I lose my sense of awe and wonder and amazement at being able to approach
the King’s throne – whenever I wanted? When
did going to church change from an invitation to worship with fellow believers
to an obligation? How do I so quickly
take for granted the gift of God’s communion?
Could it be, whether I wish to admit it or not, that the world – with its
external demands and eye-catching lures – somehow persuaded me to buy the lie
that Jesus’ sacrifice was not a big deal?
I mean, with everything at our fingertips and access to virtual reality,
doesn’t it make it easier to think, “Yeah, of course I can go to God – He’s
right there.” I’m not sure if that’s how
it happened or not, but I am sure that is what the devil would have me
think.
That kind of pride
prevents me from coming anywhere close to God.
And apart from God is exactly where the adversary wants me to be - blinded
by pride – left weak and vulnerable.
When I was a “baby Christian” (new believer), I spent most of my time
reading through the New Testament. It
made the most sense to me, and was easier to understand. But it wasn’t until I started walking through
the Old Testament that I really began to comprehend the magnitude of God’s
love.
When you study the rituals and practices of the Israelites, and all
they had to do, just to be near God’s presence, it’s no wonder it took
time! This was, and is, the Most High
God – the King of Kings! And they were
lowly humans wanting to catch a glimpse of His glory, and yet they were so
unworthy.
Just like us.
How truly blessed we are to have Jesus.
An innocent lamb - slaughtered for us - for our "right" to go
before the King without shame or guilt or ritual.
To approach the Father with nothing more than a repentant heart and
belief in His son.
When I think of it that way, I am deeply embarrassed. I am embarrassed by my pride, and reminded
that my attitude instead should be one of gratitude. Spending time with God reveals these things to
me (of course it’s going to take time!), and I am so thankful that He wants to
anoint every part of me – just as Moses anointed the tabernacle and everything in
it! I am humbled to think God would go
to such great lengths to be in closeness with me. How could I be anything else?
God,
I am humbled that I can come
before You – that the sacrifice of Your son, Jesus, grants me the privilege to
do so. Thank You for loving me enough to make a way
for us to be together. Help me to never
take that for granted. Continue to cleanse
and anoint me. Help me to live my life
in such a way that only glorifies You. Thank
You for hearing my prayer. Thank
You. Thank You. Thank You.I ask all of this in Your name,
Amen