God Makes All Things New [A New Covenant] Devotions Day 3

Direct Access Granted

Devotional
In the old covenant system, there was a thick curtain in the temple that separated the people from God's presence. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year, with elaborate preparations and sacrifices. The message was clear: God is holy, you are not, and you need someone else to approach Him on your behalf. This created a religion of intermediaries... priests, sacrifices, and complex rituals stood between ordinary people and their Creator. Relationship with God felt distant, formal, and intimidating. Most people never experienced the intimate connection with God that their hearts longed for. But when Jesus died on the cross, that temple curtain was torn in two from top to bottom. This wasn't just symbolic... it was a declaration that the barrier between God and humanity had been permanently removed. No more intermediaries. No more waiting for someone else to approach God for you. No more feeling like God is distant and unreachable. Under the new covenant, Jesus serves as our high priest, but unlike the earthly priests who kept people at a distance, Jesus brings us near. He doesn't stand between us and God to keep us away... He is the bridge between us and God to bring us close. Through His sacrifice, we have direct access to the throne of grace. This means you can approach God boldly, confidently, and personally. You don't need anyone else's permission or mediation. Your relationship with God is intimate and immediate. From the least to the greatest, everyone can know God personally.

Bible Verse
But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. - Ephesians 2:13

Reflection Question
How does knowing you have direct access to God change the way you approach prayer and your daily relationship with Him?

Quote
In this new covenant, we see a profound shift. Everyone will know God from the least to the greatest. We have the privilege of direct access to God without needing an earthly go between. Jesus himself is now our High Priest.

Prayer
Jesus, thank You for tearing down every barrier between me and the Father. Help me to approach God with confidence, knowing that I have direct access to Him through Your sacrifice. Teach me to live in the reality of this intimate relationship You've made possible.