We all know people who do not make us feel welcome. The worst is a chilly close relationship. What about that friend who has ghosted you? Or the parent who never calls? Sometimes an insurmountable barrier lies between people.
In chapter 10, the author of Hebrews explains that Jesus is the once-and-for-all sacrifice for sin. It is so sufficient that God will never again bring our sins up to us. In Biblical terms, this means there is no longer any barrier between us and God. The gospel promise to followers of Christ is that, while once our sins separated us from our Father God, we now have access to him at anytime, day or night.
Access by itself is good news. But I have a family member who gives me access yet leads me to believe I am not really welcome. This is a different kind of chilly close relationship, in which this person seems ambivalent to my visit.
The author of Hebrews says, “Let us draw near.” He bids us come. Not only has God removed the barrier between us – he welcomes us in. Jesus’s blood has not only forgiven our sins, but it has also secured the Father’s welcome. He is not ambivalent toward our visit. No, he wants you to come. He invites you to come. You matter to him.
You can count on the fact that you are warmly welcomed by the King.
Prayer: Father, thank you for your warm welcome. Thank you that you want me to come near. Thank you for Christ, who forgave my sins and removed them from between us. Remind me to boldly come, day or night, and present my needs to you.
Through This Day: Today, consider what difference the Father’s welcome makes in your day. He is not disinterested or far away. Whatever you are going through, you can approach him and talk with him. What would you say to him?