4-21-2021

 Good Morning All!

               Romans 5:2; “Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God”.

    Many years ago, we were at a gathering that was occurring in the local hall.  It was a centennial meal and there were long tables, and the food was being served in a buffet style and a generally buoyant, joyful fellowship was being shared by all.  One the ladies helping serve had a very young daughter with her.  At about 3 years-old, she was quietly playing by the back door.  She was a little shy and nervous around all those people, but mom was always in sight.  What the little girl did not know was that people were going to use that back door to bring in food and drink to replenish the buffet.  She did not hear the door open but suddenly, a very tall, large man with a beard towered over her.  Now, the man was one of the kindest men in the community, but the little girl did not know this and as she looked way up to him, she screamed in terror and turned to find her mom and she did not see mom!

    She panicked and turned again, wide eye in fear, but then, she saw her grandfather and he saw her.  She ran as fast as she could to him.  He kneeled down on one knee so he could catch her and calm her down.  Slowly, grandpa stood, held her tight and comforted her sobs.  She was safe, safe in grandpa’s arms.

    Often over the past twenty years or so, our verse has been explained using passwords on computers or websites or emails or whatever to talk about gaining access.  While those may be of some value, we do not want to lose sight of the spiritual and emotional value that we have.  We have complete access to God.  We can now freely run to him, in our greatest terror or worry or fear and take comfort in his eternal love.  God is knelling right now waiting, wanting you to leap into his arms for safety and comfort.  He wants you to cling to Him as a loving parent or grandparent longs to comfort and love that child that is hurting.

    God gives you total access because of the atoning work of Jesus.  Jesus’ death and resurrection and ascension draws us into the holy family of God because we are made holy by Jesus’ death, we are shown the truth of the gift by the open tomb and receive the assurance of Christ’s reign by his ascension and the certain hope of his return.  All authority belongs to Jesus and by that authority, we are given access to the heavenly Father and in that access, we have nothing to fear, for we are always safe in his arms.  We do not even have to run to him; he is already holding us, keeping us safe from all the evil the devil can throw at us.

Father of all access, we cling to you by faith in the wonderful, good news of Jesus.  By his death and resurrection, we are empowered to be your children and given free and total access to your saving grace.  Draw us ever unto you that we may keep our eyes ever on you.  Be with those who are terrified right now.  Bring them to know your peace, your hope, and your tender calming love.  In the precious name of Jesus we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret