Confidence?

           Therefore, 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. (Hebrews 10: 19-22)

 

            If I remember correctly, this passage inspired my taking salads to a breakfast Bible study, with the idea that the women in the study with me would learn to associate salads with the various things the writer of Hebrews said, “Let us…” about. I doubt it worked, but it was fun. For me, it worked in reverse. Whenever I read the passages, I think of salad. Some of you are probably glad you don’t have to spend time in my head.

            Returning to the issue of freedom that we’ve touched on for the last couple of days, today’s passage begins with “since we have the confidence to enter the Most Holy Place….” Imagine if the President of the United States or someone like Bill Gates handed you a keycard and ID tag that gave you access – either personally or online – to the oval office or their private audience. You could look at and/or touch anything you want, read any document, listen in to any conversation, and take advantage of any information you wish.

            Of course it will never happen, but image how you’d feel. Even if the price were that you could never tell anyone, imagine how you’d feel. Even if you never actually went, would it influence how you thought about things?

            That was the situation described in the passage above. Gentiles were only allowed in the outer courtyards. Jewish women (and maybe children?) were allowed a little closer. Men, a little closer still. Priests were permitted into the “receptionist’s office” if they filled out all the correct forms and passed inspection. But the only person allowed into the inner office was the high priest; once a year, after he filled out all the forms and passed inspection. They still put bells on his robe and tied a rope around his ankle in case God killed him.

            But the author of the book of Hebrews says that we can and should have confidence to enter that place only high priests could go based on the blood of Jesus. No forms to fill out. No inspections except the ones we impose on ourselves. Into the presence of the Most High God.

            Confidence? I’m not so sure I have confidence. Maybe presumption. Maybe arrogance. But confidence?