Let us consider the cross.
I am not sure when the last time you read an account of the crucifixion of Jesus or even thought about it. I know for me it feels like I have been so busy, and my thoughts have been on so many other things. A lot of my conversations and topics in my doctoral program are very detailed and require a lot of thinking power. I have had a headache almost every day for the past week because of it. But as I was reading this morning, I was reminded of a simple truth. Jesus died on the cross for my sin and the sin of the world. What a wonderful thing to think about. So, I went and read in Luke 23, where Jesus was on the cross right before He died.
44 "It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three, 45 because the sun’s light failed. The curtain of the sanctuary was split down the middle. 46 And Jesus called out with a loud voice, 'Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit.' Saying this, he breathed his last." (Luke 23:44-46 CSB).
Something stood out to me, the sun faded, and the curtain in the Temple, separating the Holy Place for the Holy of Holies tore. The Holy of Holies was where the Hight Priest would enter only once a year to make a sacrifice for all of Israel’s sin over the past year. He was the only one allowed in and it was the place where God’s presence dwelled. Consider what that means; what the cross means. It means the veil that restricted people from direct access to God was gone.
In Hebrews 4 we read,
14 "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need." (Hebrews 4:14-16).
The cross allows us direct access to the very presence of God. And Hebrews tells us that through Jesus as our High Priest we can go straight to the throne with boldness. Because of Jesus we have direct access to God the Father. Because of Jesus we have someone who knows exactly what we are experiencing, and He can sympathize with us. And because of Jesus we can receive mercy and find grace that helps us daily.
In a time where we are constantly thinking about so many things, let us take a break and consider the cross. Pause and thank Jesus today for defeated sin and making a way for us to be united with God. Come to God boldly with your needs today because we have a High Priest and Savior who understands what we are going though and gives us mercy and grace. Praise Jesus this morning.
In His Holy Name,
Sean Best
College Pastor