Is it possible to make a connection with God without a priest? If a priest is really necessary, just who are these priests; how many are in existence; where can they be found; and how is it possible to make sure that any so-called priest is the genuine article?
The Israelis recognized that the intervention of God had taken place on their behalf on numerous occasions but only after the intervention, not before. They never learned to trust God in the present moment. Their testimony of God’s power is best described as a hind-sight testimony, never an up-to-the moment testimony. Thus, they endured 40 years of suffering in the wilderness. The same thing can happen today to nations, churches, and individuals. Make sure you’re not among them.
The writer penned this letter to a first century church comprised of Jews who had surrendered their lives to Christ but did not expect that following Him would result in persecution as well as the loss of property, and perhaps, the loss of life in the near future. Consequently, they stood on the precipice of exiting Christianity. How can such believers be encouraged to stay the course in spite of the hardship? The answer just might encourage you in the midst of your greatest adversity.
God does not inadvertently put a person or a people to a great task without testing them fully to ascertain their readiness. Commencing with Exodus 5, and culminating in Numbers 14, Israel faced ten tests of readiness. They failed every test which landed them in the wilderness for decades. The same thing can happen today to nations, churches, and individuals. Don’t let it happen to you.
The most important part of any day is that of centering our attention upon Jesus. Looking into the face of our problems without first looking into the face of our Savior is bound to result in personal defeat. We cannot survive in a world of darkness without taking extended periods of time to bathe in the light.
If you met God today, would that meeting be favorable? I certainly hope so. However, is there any way to be sure? Of course, there is, but how? Well, you don’t have to die to make that discovery. You can know right now. In fact, you can enjoy a favorable meeting with God every day. Check it out.