Hebrews 10:19-22 is a high point in Scripture:
“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened up for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith . . . “
It’s that “draw near” that gets me.
In the religion of Israel, there was distance between the people and their God.
Only certain people could enter into the temple, for example. Beyond that, only the priests could enter the centermost realm of that temple, commonly called the Holy of Holies.
So over the centuries the people had built distance and disconnect into the fabric of their relationship with their God.
And Jesus tears all that down.
What was once subject to privilege is now open to all.
What was once separated by walls and veils is now connected by the cross.
What was once remote is now intimate.
What once said “stay away,” now urges “draw near.”
So draw near today. On your knees or while you stand. Praying silently or writing fervently. Singing with gusto or whispering with reverence. However, wherever, whenever . . . draw near.
Because Jesus drew near first.