Ascension Sunday: A New and

Living Way (Heb 10:19-23)

The advancement of technology in this twenty-first century demonstrates that we can do pretty much anything from the comfort of our home on a mobile phone. Mobile phones have made land-line phones, MP-3s and many more communicative devices obsolete for millions of people. Todays technology has brought in new and improved ways people can live and engage in commerce. Because of these new ways of living, we become excited about technology at the tip of our fingers. Yet, as I read this week's Scripture (Heb 10: 19-23), I discovered there's one thing we should be more excited about than things of the tech world, or for the most part, our world in general. So let me introduce you to that ONE THING. The Scripture states: brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a NEW AND LIVING WAY opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. [Heb 10:19-23]. Just think back for a moment about the Old Testament high priest's yearly responsibilities when he had to first offer sacrifice for his sins, then enter the Most Holy Place to offer the "once-per-year" sacrifice for the people. This is the priest's most fearful and dreaded day, the day when he entered the presence of the Most High God. If he had failed to atone for his sins by entering the Most Holy Place, he would be struck down by the awesome glory of God. Back then, the high priest wore bells on their garments and when they entered the Most Holy Place, a rope is tied to their feet in the event they got struck down, so that the Levites in the outer part of the Most Holy place could pull the body out. The jingling of the bells was a good sign that the priest was still alive. It was a glorious moment to be in the presence of God, but also it must have been a fearful moment for that priest. However, more glorious today is that the Lord opened a NEW AND LIVING WAY for us to enter His presence through the body of Jesus Christ, our Passover lamb who has been crucified for us. This is something to be excited about. Yes, a new house, a new car, a promotion, and even the birth of a baby are aspects of life we should be excited about, but this NEW AND LIVING WAY that is opened for us is something that should stir our thanksgiving to God. Now we can draw near with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings. We have reasons to stand firm with the hope we profess, "for He who promises is faithful." Brothers and sisters, we are granted privileged access into the presence of God through Jesus Christ. Let's all press in. Because being in His presence supersedes EVERYTHING. R.G. 01/06/25 Image: pixabay.com An archive of these Scripture reflections is available here: https://rgscripturereflections.blogspot.com/