May 21, 2003
Reading: Isaiah 57:14-21

 

“For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity” (15)

 

Last week we considered the words of Job, “Behold, God is great, and we do not know Him” Job 36:26. And after reading our verse this week we could consider it as confirmation that God is unapproachable, unknowable, and any relationship with Him unattainable. Earth and heaven, even the vastness of eternity separates this Almighty One from us who are bound by time and space. He is the High and Lofty One, He inhabits eternity, and His very name is Holy. A thousand thousand minister to Him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stand before Him (Dan 7:10). He placed only two cherubim to at the gate of Eden and that was sufficient to keep man out. What protection will the myriads of angels afford if called upon to keep you and me from the presence of the Ancient of Days? Dare any creature have the audacity to approach Him “who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see?” 1 Tim 6:15-16.

The answer is yes, yes, and a thousand times yes! Neither audacity, brashness nor self-confidence is required, but rather a contrite and humble spirit (15). The way to God is open because God Himself came to us. In the Person of Jesus, God has provided a way that we may approach Him. Is this not the glorious message of the gospel? Is this not the power of the cross and empty tomb? Reconciliation to God is the announcement of both angels and saints to a dying and perishing world. “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God” 2 Cor 5:20.

The human mind says it is impossible. Logic, in all of its wisdom, declares that the creature cannot have a relationship with its Creator, neither would He who is eternal desire a relationship with that which knows birth and death. How can He who is the High and Lofty One say, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls”? Matt 11:28-30. He will heal, lead, comfort and give peace to those who come to Him (Isa 57:18-19). Because of Jesus, He who is unapproachable is approachable, and those who would block the way into His presence stand aside to allow us audience with the King of Kings. For those who know and love Him, the invitation peels like thunder from the eternal throne, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink” John 7:37. Thanks be to “Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him” Eph 3:11-13. We do not need to shrink away in fear nor cower in shame as we approach God, for His word to us is that we shall not be ashamed, “For your Maker is your Husband, The LORD of Hosts is His name; and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel” Isa 54:4-5.

“Brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith” Heb 10:19-22.