Bible Reading Blog
“In the Presence of God, On Our Behalf”
Categories: Congregational Bible ReadingBIBLE READING: Hebrews 9
Where does God desire to be worshipped? Throughout Jewish history the answer would have been the tabernacle or temple. It was designed by God as a chosen place to make his name and presence dwell (Exodus 25.8-9; 40.34). These places of worship allowed the people to experience the presence of God among them, both for comfort and fear.
But the advent of Jesus altered this form. It was never God’s plan to have a physical place of worship where his presence dwelt, but rather for people to worship him in spirit and truth (John 4.23). Now, our body is the temple of the living God, if we will allow it (1 Corinthians 6.19). Previous forms in worship, from the layout of the structures to the sacrifices, to the need for a high priest to intercede were not only shadows of true worship (Hebrews 8.5) but were efforts to teach the holy nature of God. One could not take their relationship with him lightly or regard sin as a small thing. To approach the presence of God required preparation, penitence, and sacrifice.
To understand proper worship of God today, we must understand these forms. Between God and us there is a separation, not by physical space but in holiness. This gap can only be bridged with purification, intercession, and a sacrificial death. Thankfully Jesus Christ has fulfilled the requirements to meet these needs (Hebrews 9.24-26), but for what purpose? “To appear in the presence of God on our behalf” (Hebrews 9.24b). Without the death of Jesus and his exaltation through the power of his indestructible life (Hebrews 7.16), we would be unable to draw near to God all. His exalted position in heaven is the only reason we can “boldly approach the throne of grace to find help in time of need” (Hebrews 4.16).
Why does this matter? It is not simply the favor of God that we long for the most, but His presence. Our longings for security, comfort and fulfillment are the craving of our spirit to be near God.
We can now worship God in his holy place (Hebrews 10.19). We can boldly approach him in his power to make our requests known (Philippians 4.6). We can find comfort and hope from the One who gives life. But to do so, we prepare our lives in purity and holiness (Romans 12.1-12; 1 Thessalonians 4.3-5). We must feed our souls in spirit and truth (1 Peter 1.22-25). It is the word of God that directs us into the presence of God. It is the surety of his promises that solidify our hope and peace.
God knows what we need, and his desire is for his people to enjoy the blessings of being near him (Psalm 73.23-28; Revelation 21.3). Thanks to Jesus, we can do that now. So, “let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10.22-23).
