Confidence through Christ
Key Bible Passages : Hebrews 10:19-21
Author : Matt Orr
Draw close to God and He will draw close to you (James 4:8).
When I think about any form of relationship thriving I think of two things: great communication and close proximity. For I don’t know about you, but I find it pretty difficult to be friends with someone I don’t ever see or speak to. And whilst I’m sure we’re grateful to have friends from afar who we barely see but regularly speak to, and likewise grateful for a number of friends we see weekly at church but never really get beyond the “Hey, how’s your week been?”, how often are we left wanting and feeling like we need more.
And the same is true of our relationship with God. We may read His word yet feel like we never truly hear His voice speaking to us. And we may encounter His love through His presence but never let it impact our lives beyond the encounter itself. You see, to know God is to be near to God. It’s possible to know a lot about Him, but until we draw close and speak freely to one another in open conversation, we’re always going to miss out on how good He really is.
At the start of this time of lent, a time of waiting and anticipation for Easter to come, I pray we all know that we are free, able and invited to enter into deep friendship with God, entering into His presence - to draw near to Him with confidence.
You see, the Easter story is one of the most beautiful stories ever told, of the God who came and walked upon the earth, healed the sick and forgave the sinner and then died upon a cross, suffering a truly brutal and humiliating death. The God who paid the price for our own wrongdoings, our mistakes, our selfishness, our pride, our greed, for the way we treat and hurt others, for our sins - Christ, blameless and innocent, died in our place.
Yet death would not have the victory, for Christ was resurrected, defeating death and making a way for us to have a relationship with God, our Father in heaven. That one day we too may be resurrected, to spend eternity with the God who has been relentlessly pursuing His people since the world began. That’s the narrative of the cross and the story of our redemption.
Over this short devotional series we’re going to be reflecting on what it means to draw close to God during lent, unpacking Hebrews 10:19-25. And today we’re kicking things off with verses 19 to 21: “19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God,” let us draw close to God.
It’s thanks to Jesus that we can enter the Most Holy Place, that we can encounter the presence of the living God with confidence that we are made right in His eyes. For His sacrifice means we are no longer seen as sinners, but as daughters and sons. Forgiven and welcomed into the Fathers open arms, dignity restored and lives transformed as we seek to follow Him.
We may not feel holy, but this new and living way has been opened for us through the cross. Whilst the world makes it out as though we’re our own main character writing our own story, the reality is far greater. He is God and we are not, but in His grace He gives us a seat at the table and a part to play. You see our confidence in knowing Him could never rely on how good we are, but only on how good He is.
It’s His character that matters - He is far more gracious, kind, faithful, patient and loving than we could ever be. And this God - who spoke the universe into existence, led His people out of slavery and into freedom, entered the world as an innocent and vulnerable child after we’d messed it up, died the death we deserved on the cross, defeated death to bring us all resurrection life and sent His Spirit into the world to live in all those who welcome Him - this God wants to draw close to you. Be encouraged, draw close to Him!
Good communication and close proximity, the key to great relationships, and the gift offered to us through Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. Draw close to God and He will draw close to you (James 4:8).
Communication and proximity.
Confidence, it’s who He is not who we are.
No longer sinners but sons.
Questions
To help with further reflection, thought or application.
1: What has held you back previously from drawing close to God?
2: In light of the cross, how might you approach God in prayer today?
Prayer
Jesus, thank you that you paid our debt and made a way for us to enter confidently into Your presence. Lead us into deeper friendship with You. Amen.
We’ve created an audio version of this devotional that can be listened to as a Podcast.