Restricted Access

             In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. (Hebrews 1:1-2)

 

            The book of Hebrews is an argument for the supremacy of Jesus Christ over prophets, priests, and kings. As you read through Scripture, you see what the author was talking about. Genesis and Exodus are replete with God talking to people. From Leviticus through Song of Solomon, we see God speaking through various means, but the Prophets pick up the theme again, with God speaking to Israel and the nations. Then came Jesus, who didn’t say, “God says.” He says, “You have heard it said, but I say…”

            This could be perceived as rather dry stuff. Sure, God spoke through all those folks to tell us what to do, and then Jesus came to tell us what to do. It’s all about being told what to do all the time, and to our being told what miserable things we are. Yawn. Old news. But that’s partly because we don’t really think about it. At best, we see things in terms of our own experience and even then, we may not notice. This is another case of opening our eyes.

            If I go to city hall or the county buildings, I have to pass through security. At the very least, there’s a guard… the city police or county sheriffs are near to hand. I must meet certain conditions to gain access. Even if I get to the office of the person I want to see, chances are that I’ll have to deal with clerks or assistants before I get to see the person I want to. I may never get to that person. I’d prefer to deal with the clerks or assistants anyway, but the point remains. I don’t have easy, immediate, or guaranteed access to the person in power.

            This restricted access didn’t end if one had power. Priests had to run the gauntlet of ritual cleansing to approach God or enter certain areas of the temple. Kings had to run the gauntlet of the priests. Even the prophets, who were granted greater access to God than some of the priests didn’t get that access by their own merit or choice. God picked them and they were still subject to the priests and the law. The interesting exception to this restriction was prayer. Anyone could pray and expect answers.                

            But then Jesus came. The one who participated in the creation of the universe stepped through the veil into the body of a baby. He lived, and when He died, the veil between man and God was torn. The bureaucracy was removed because those who come through Jesus are the children of the King, and the restrictions don’t apply to them.