(Ex 28:31-35 GNB) The robe that goes under the ephod is to be made entirely of blue wool. It is to have a hole for the head, and this hole is to be reinforced with a woven binding to keep it from tearing. All around its lower hem put pomegranates of blue, purple, and red wool, alternating with gold bells. Aaron is to wear this robe when he serves as priest. When he comes into my presence in the Holy Place or when he leaves it, the sound of the bells will be heard, and he will not be killed.
This morning we continue our series entitled, “Re-Energizing Your Prayer Life.” Last week we discussed the right we have to pray. Our right to pray was given to us by Jesus the Christ as He died in our stead and gave us the access to become righteous when we accept Him as Lord. This week we will discuss “How to Enter into God’s Presence.”
I would venture to say that most believers today don’t know how to properly enter into God’s presence, because they don’t have a genuine reverence for God. In the Old Covenant believers had a serious reverence for the Lord. I recommend you read Leviticus 16 when you have some time. I won’t deal with the entire chapter, for the sake of time, but I will share with you the first two verses. This chapter opens by saying, “The LORD spoke to Moses after the death of Aaron’s two sons, who died after they entered the LORD’s presence and burned the wrong kind of fire before him. The LORD said to Moses, “Warn your brother, Aaron, not to enter the Most Holy Place behind the inner curtain whenever he chooses; if he does, he will die. For the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement—is there, and I myself am present in the cloud above the atonement cover.” Aaron’s sons disrespected the presence of the Lord and it was the last thing they did.
Our focus text describes the High Priest’s attire. The outfit was adorned with bells. The bells were there to make noise as the High Priest moved around. If the noise stopped, it was an indication that the High Priest may have died. If he died, no one was able to go in and retrieve the body, because they would die as well. So history tells us that the High Priest also wore a rope around his ankle. This way if he did enter into God’s presence the wrong way and wound up dead, the other priests could pull the body out by the rope; without entering into the Most Holy Place. Now, don’t get me wrong. I am not suggesting that we go out and buy fancy outfits or that we build a “Holy of Holies” in our home. I know we are not under the Law and I praise God for that, but that does not change the fact that there is a reverence factor that is missing in the church today.
So what does this mean to you today? It means that the Lord is not your homeboy, dude, buddy or a 911 service that you only call when you have an emergency. The Lord is a loving, caring and sharing heavenly Father, yes; but He is also the Most High God, the Creator of all things, the One who sits on the Circle of the Earth, and the only true God. He is all knowing, all powerful, Omni-present, ever ruling, and eternally virtuous. He is the God of your past, present, and future; the God of your already, your right now, and your not yet; the God of your yesterday, today, and forever more. He is to be adored, respected, and worshipped. When you prepare to approach the Father in prayer, remember who He is and it will help you give Him the reverence He deserves. Your reverence will open the door to your prayers.
Closing Confession: Father, I honor and reverence You daily. You alone are Holy. You alone are the Most High. You alone are the King of kings and the Lord of Lords. You alone sit on the circle of the earth. You are the only true and living God. I acknowledge no other deity. I call upon no other name. I worship no other god. You are my God, You are my King, You are my Lord, and I worship You. I enter every day with thanksgiving on my lips and praise emanating from my heart. I will never cease to give You praise. I am eternally thankful for Your mercy and I will always bless Your name. I reverence You with my whole heart and my reverence opens the door to my prayers. I declare this by faith. In Jesus‘ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
