May 22, 2026
Friday, May 22
The most important of the three commands in Hebrews 10:19-24 is to “Draw near” to the throne of God. He’s talking about true worship, not the dull, going-through-the-motions ritual that so many churches offer each week, or the “Christian concert experience” we find in other, trendier congregations. Real worship is in spirit AND in truth. It is serious business, but it is also exhilarating. How serious? That term “draw near” is the same terminology the Bible uses for the priests who offered sacrifices to God in the Old Testament. In those days, no one could enter God’s presence except people who were born into priestly families. And even they had to be certain they were ritually pure before they came into the Holy place. Imagine being that priest. Would your heart rate rise on the day you entered the presence of the Living God? I am sure it would. I am sure none of them approached the altar casually, or struggled with distraction.
Hebrews tells us we don’t need priests anymore, because Jesus is our High Priest. There’s no longer a curtain separating us from God’s presence. The moment Jesus died, the curtain in the temple that separated ordinary people from the Holy of Holies was torn in two by an invisible hand. His death brought us access. Even though we are all aware of our un-holiness, we still have the privilege of entering in, because as v. 22 says our “hearts are sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies are washed with pure water.” Our salvation in Christ makes us worthy to stand in His presence. Our baptism is the sign we belong in the family of God. Every time we come to worship, it’s a true miracle that we’re included. How can we ever find that boring? Why would ever intentionally miss that?
You might say, “Maybe I’m just not a spiritual person. I try to listen to the sermon, but my mind wanders. I sing the songs, but most of the time, I have no idea what I was singing.” Pray about it. Pray that God would give you a hunger for Him. Pray that He would teach you to seek after Him. Pray every Sunday morning that you would mean the words you sing, that you would hear whatever He has to say to you, and that your giving would be done with a joyful heart. Pray that God would make you a true worshipper.
What happens in the Church isn’t a show. This is life and death. Souls are on the line. Jesus died to make this possible. The God of the Universe promises to show up whenever we read His word, or pray, or gather with His people. The Spirit of God is speaking. Don’t miss it.
“Lord, fill me with a hunger for more of you. Help me to overcome distraction when I’m in your presence. Teach me to worship you in spirit and in truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Senior Pastor
First Baptist Conroe
More from Pastor Jeff at his website: jeffbergerwriting.com
