All Access Pass - by Elizabeth Reynolds

I read a devotion tonight about likening ‘knowing Jesus’ to having an ‘All Access’ backstage pass at a concert. You know, those people with the lanyards around their necks, who can go anywhere they please. They know all the important people, and if you are lucky enough to be given a backstage pass, it’s usually because of somebody you know. Someone with connections. Someone who is willing to give you their credibility to get you in.

To gain access into the presence of the Holy God, we need to know Somebody too. We have the right ‘connections’ into the high places.

Curiously though, this devotion stated that some people who are connected to Jesus never take advantage of the access He has given to them. Although Jesus has granted us access and invited us in, some people don’t use that access. And I wondered why that is.

We could probably list a few reasons why other people don’t use that ‘all access’ pass; perhaps those who don’t fully have an understanding of God and what Jesus has done. But I got to thinking… what about us? You and me. Are we using our ‘All Access’ or ‘Backstage’ pass to the max? Do we need reminding that we even have one?

Do we sometimes feel a little shy or standoffish, or unsure whether we belong? Imagine being at one of those concerts and feeling a little exposed or awkward wandering into those restricted areas…

Yes, it’s where we shouldn’t be allowed to be. Yes, it’s in the presence of the totally amazing famous people who surely don’t want to be disturbed by you or are too busy and important to have you there….

Yes. God is holy.

But you have the pass around your neck that Jesus has given you! It says ‘You have been made holy.’ You have been given that credibility! You belong there. You’re in the ‘in’ crowd! God turns. He sees you. He smiles. He runs to you. He embraces you! He says ‘Come in! I’ve been waiting for you!’

For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. Hebrews 10:14

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body… Hebrews 10:19-20