Two-minute read.
Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island has a guarded gate, like many neighborhoods on the island. Without paying the fees, you can’t see the beautiful shoreline that wraps around the houses. Visitors can only admire the shoreline from afar because of restricted access.
But imagine one day they open the gates wide and allow access to the road that leads to the water with a simple invitation: “Come in. The beach is open.” Some people may hesitate, wondering if they really can. Others confidently walk through the open gates and enjoy the beach beyond.
Jesus opened the gate for us.
Before Jesus’ sacrifice, only high priests could enter the Most Holy Place of the temple under specific circumstances. But through Christ’s death and resurrection, He removed the barrier between God and humanity.
Sometimes we hesitate to draw near to God because we feel inadequate, ashamed, or distant. Yet Hebrews reminds us that God Himself made a way. The Lord doesn’t expect flawlessness; He invites us to come, warts and all. The Savior welcomes us into His presence. We can approach the Lord trusting in His grace and mercy.
Faith grows when we stop standing at a distance and begin stepping into the loving presence of our Heavenly Father.
Jesus opened the gate to God’s presence. He made a clear path with a genuine invitation. Christ desires that we draw near. He opened the gate. We must decide whether to step through it.
Accept Christ’s invitation. Give your life to Jesus. Walk through the gate and spend time with the Savior. Allow Him to heal your wounds and transform your life. One step at a time, you will discover abundant life through the Savior. One He died to give you.
Spend time in God’s presence without rushing to say anything. Receive His love and grace, like sunshine warming your face and waves gently reaching the shore.
Journal Questions:
- What keeps me from drawing near to God with confidence?
- How does knowing that Jesus made a way for me change my view of prayer and worship?
- What would it look like for me to spend more intentional time in God’s presence this week?
Beach Vibe:
The ocean doesn’t ask you to earn the shoreline before you approach it. In the same way, God invites you to come near—not because you’ve earned it, but because Jesus made the way.
