The Privilege of Presence

At the beginning of a new year, I typically set out to read the Bible in a year -- I have yet to accomplish this goal but hey, one day! In my past attempts, my reading and engagement would be going great. I would start with the creation in Genesis and then learn of the Israelites and their story of struggle in Exodus. Then Leviticus. Leviticus always stopped me right in my tracks. I remember joking around one time and saying, “Why did God even include this book of the Bible?”. 

The book of Leviticus is chock full of rules & regulations. Kind of similar to what we see as terms and conditions. You know the ones where we quickly check the box verifying that we have read the terms and conditions, when in fact we just want to move on to what it is that we want. The book of Leviticus was somewhat like an instruction manual for the Israelites. It details what must be done if they sinned or even made the slightest mistake. If and when they were out of line, they had specific instructions on how they were to get back on track. Well, let me rephrase that, they were only able to get back on track once a priest interceded on behalf of them to be made right with God. 

And it wasn’t simple. There had to be some type of sacrifice for it to happen. Something perfect had to die but also they had to go to what some today would see as extreme lengths to be back in right standing with God. 

As I reflected on the hurdle and my perceived pointlessness of the book of Leviticus, something clicked. I was taking for granted the ease of forgiveness from God and the opportunity to pray and be in the presence of God. The book of Leviticus was meant to be extensive to show me the extremes that forgiveness from God once required. For the Israelites, it was not as simple as, “God, I messed up please forgive me and help me to do better”. There had to be bloodshed and there was absolutely no direct communication with God. God was so holy that no one other than a designated priest could be in His presence and only after a very strict process (see Leviticus 16). Because of Jesus, we have the opportunity to get into the presence of God whenever; whether we need forgiveness, peace, or comfort. Yet sometimes we don’t even stop long enough to experience what is 24/7 access to Him. 

You cannot appreciate something if you do not understand the sacrifice that was made for you to have access. My appreciation of the presence and forgiveness of God was only attainable when I understood what it once took to not only be made right with God but to simply communicate with Him. We can freely be in the presence of God because of Jesus and that is major!

Slow down and take time to appreciate the gift of access to God. I’m so grateful that we don’t have to find a living and perfect sacrifice and that Jesus’ blood was enough. You have an all-access pass to God, the Father, Creator of All, and the One who is concerned about everything that involves you. Spend time with Him and soak in the privilege of His presence.