When Israel was gathered around Mount Sinai and the LORD was giving the law to His newly-freely people, He said to Moses,
“Come up to the LORD, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and worship from afar. Moses alone shall come near to the LORD, but the others shall not come near, and the people shall not come up with him.” (Exo 24:1-2)
Centuries later, Christians were encouraged,
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb 4:14-16)
There’s a world of difference between “worshiping from afar” and “drawing near with confidence.” On this side of Jesus’ death, burial, and triumphant resurrection, the redeemed people of God no longer worship from afar. In the name of our perfect, sympathizing high priest, we are called to draw near. With confidence. To the very throne of grace.
Let’s not waste or take that amazing privilege for granted today.