Change Has Already Come

Posted by rayhilton on Dec 19, 2008 in Daily Bread | 1 comment

Throughout this year we have all heard, no matter whom you voted for, that change is a comin’, a “change we can believe in”. Without getting political here, it got me wondering; exactly what kind of change are we looking for? What kind of change am I looking for? Has there been a change already? Do we even need change? Maybe I’m just looking for “change” in my pockets. Reading today’s verses reminded me of a giant change that has already happened: Jesus. When this man, this God-man, came to earth, he was all about making things happen, announcing that the status was not quo! Up until this time, the relationship between man and God was somewhat strict. Strict in the sense that only the high priest could come before God following explicit directions: wear special clothing, sacrifice a specific number of animals, bring incense to put on the fire so the smoke would block his direct view from God (“no man shall see me and live” Exodus 33:20). Think of how frightened he must have been. What if he forgot a step? What if he forgot one of the goats? What if he tripped and got his holy garments dirty? I equate this to me stepping on to the Broadway stage for the first time (if Shrek can make it so can I). Can I remember my lines? Am I wearing the right costume? Is this my entrance on stage? Fortunately, all of this has changed. I can now come to God as many times as I want. I don’t have to be cleansed before stepping into his presence. Through Christ’s death, I already am! As a believer, I am clothed in his righteousness. I don’t need to wear a costume. It is so refreshing for me to think that despite how dirty my life has been or is God has accepted me for who I am. And it’s all because one man changed everything by sacrificing himself, allowing us direct access to the throne of God. May I never lose the wonder of the cross.