Verse: Ephesians 3:12
In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

Thoughts
Have you ever had a backstage pass to anywhere?

Back in the time before COVID a friend of mine got me court side tickets to a college basketball game. It was amazing. When it was time to grab some food, I went up to the concourse, waited in line, paid a million dollars, and brought food to our group. As I arrived, my dad also arrived with food. But he didn’t go up to the concourse. He had discovered this private area for people with special passes. This place had FREE FOOD! Tons of it! Turns out, our tickets got us in there, but we didn’t even know that! So I waited in line and paid for over priced food, all the while with a backstage pass IN MY POCKET!

This verse is like a backstage pass….to GOD. Seriously. But all too often we can forget, and live our lives like we aren’t holding that backstage pass. If you have faith in Jesus, the amazing truth is that he makes himself available to you. You can approach him with freedom and confidence. Here are a couple random thoughts that hit me as I meditate on this verse:

  • He is always available, never too busy, and always attentive to you.
  • When you talk, he listens.
  • You don’t have to be “good enough” to talk to God.
  • God’s presence is not something you have to beg for. He is always with you.
  • If you need wisdom, just ask.
  • If you are hurting, his healing is right there for you.
  • No matter what, you don’t have to feel like you are bothering him.
  • You are not a second class citizen, you are a VIP in God’s presence.

I could go on – this verse describes a powerful dynamic to our relationship with God. And it changes how we are tempted to see him: as distant and all powerful and hard to reach. No. Jesus revealed God as personal and present. This is the God who longs for deeper relationship with you. The encouragement for us all today? Lean into that relationship. Don’t live on the concourse. Use your backstage pass and enjoy the benefits of access to the King of Kings.

Prayer
Jesus, thank you for making a way for me to connect with you. I want to lean into my relationship with you. Help me to do that!

Author: Christian Dunn