Boldly I Approach

I am currently reading the OT books of the law. Reading the law there hundreds of ways that we can sin willingly and unwillingly.  According to the law, even unintentional contact with something unclean (sinful) means that you are sinful and would need to go to the Temple and make a sacrifice to cleanse you from that sin.  

This Easter season I have been struck in a new way the separation between Israel and His presence in the OT.  Only the High Priest was able to directly be in His of the Most High and atone for the sins of the people.  There was literally a physical divide between His presence in the Tabernacle and the rest of Israel.  People could not directly atone for their sins, but needed the priest to do it on their behalf.  If someone besides the High Priest were to enter the Holy of Holies, they would be struck to death for daring to experience the holiness of His presence.

This separation no longer exists, hallelujah!!! Because of His sacrifice on the Cross the veil has been torn and anyone can enter His presence at any time.  We no longer need a proxy to atone for our sin, but can directly repent. His grace has allowed us to commune with Him at any times.  What a blessed miracle.

I love the lyrics of the Rend Collective song “Boldly I Approach” because it elegantly encompasses the beauty of the Cross.

Boldly I approach your throne

Blameless now I’m coming home

By Your blood I come

Welcomed as Your Own

Into Your arms of majesty

What a blessing that we can boldly approach Him at any time!

A Holy Night

I spent last night having a bonfire with a great group of friends.  After finishing our hot coco and roasting marshmallows, we began singing our favorite Christmas carols.  There was something so magical about proclaiming the truth of His birth.  It was such a powerful worship experience of all of us.  We were blessed to sing these powerful songs while seeing the starts bright in the sky (a rarity here).  It was a Christmas Eve miracle. 

This month I have been reflecting on the powerful lyrics of Oh Holy Night, particularly the third verse.

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.

Though injustice is all around us, love and peace are stronger.  Because of His birth love, peace and love will overcome all evil.  He came to overcome sin and its consequences.  His incarnation will break chains and will restore us to correct relationship.  He came to reconcile us to Himself.  He also allows us to be reconciled (restored to correct relationship) with each other. Though there are problems now, they will not exist forever.  He is more powerful than any divisions we can create. So powerful.

When it is easy to become overwhelmed with all the darkness, I can proclaim the truth that in His name all oppression will cease!

Amen!

Second Chances

 

I was introduced to this song on Easter Sunday and have had it playing non-stop ever since.  I absolutely love the powerful words of this song that highlight the redemption of the Cross!  Because of His sacrificial death, we have restored relationship with the Creator of heaven and earth. 

I love Rend Collective's lyrics which reminds us that:
        Everything is redeemable through His blood. 
        There is always forgiveness for our mistakes when we seek Him.
        Hope restarts at the Cross.  He has victory over our circumstances.