With few exceptions (for example, Abraham, Jacob, and Moses), the Old Testament “believers” didn’t get too close to God. Do you remember how afraid the Israelites were at Mt. Sinai? They said to Moses, “you go, and we’ll stay here," (Ex. 20:21), preferring to maintain a safe distance. Even the “High Priest” entered the Holy of Holies once a year with feelings of trepidation, taking the blood offering to God on behalf of those who remained in the outer court, at a safe distance.
So it was an extraordinary event when Jesus was crucified and the veil that separated the worshippers from God was torn in half, signifying that believers now have the privilege of worshiping God up close and personal. The distance between God and man was at once and forever eliminated.
I once saw a bumper sticker that read, “If you’re feeling far away from God, guess who moved?” Don't let your feelings keep you away from God. James promises that if you “draw near to God, He will draw near to you.” (4:8) And the writer of Hebrews says "let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water" (10:22).
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