The Glory of a Growing Relationship

Daily Reading: Hebrews 9

Scripture Focus: Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness. (Hebrews 9.1)

Devotional Thought: I remember when I met Al. He was 'guarded' in his conversation and openness. So was I. As we got to know each other, however, the guards came down and we became friends. We adopted nicknames for each other and enjoyed some humorous banter. Then I noticed something happening. Each of us began sharing very personal things that we were going through. We began praying for one another. It was as if a door to a whole new room had opened. The friendship changed qualitatively.

I think that most friendships go that way, don't they? There is a time of meeting, then a time of casual acquaintance, then a time of growing closer and more open. Then comes a time when you can share more personal joys and heartaches. Finally, you get to the place that you trust them implicitly and you know that they feel the same about you.

Our relationship with Christ is like that, too. Hebrews 9 talks about the earthly tabernacle and covenant in the Old Testament. There was a place outside the tabernacle and then places of increasing holiness as you entered into the tabernacle. The ultimate place was the Holy of Holies and the mercy seat on the Ark of the Covenant - where God met with the people through an intermediary - the high priest.

It is that place where Christ has gone and opened to us. It is that place where our most intimate friendship with Christ is possible.

Christ invites you. Have you entered in?

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for going to the Holy of Holies for me - the place where you shed your blood and redeemed me from sin and death. Help me, my Lord, to go there and have a deep and abiding friendship with you. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. (Psalms 51:1-6)