SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1297

“Access”

I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved… – John 10:9

Having worked in business management most of my career, I experienced requests for access to my time from a myriad of individuals, most with a hidden agenda. To remain productive, I employed an administrative assistant, a gatekeeper of sorts, that screened calls and managed appointment requests. No one got to me except through her.

It is an accepted practice in many cultures to bring a gift when meeting others to secure favor and acceptance. We see this played out between Jacob and Esau among others.

And you shall say, ‘Moreover, your servant Jacob is behind us.’ For he thought, “I may appease him with the present that goes ahead of me, and afterward I shall see his face. Perhaps he will accept me.” – Genesis 32:20

The world has corrupted this practice of gift-giving into a form of bribery to gain access to important and powerful people, always with an agenda. We see this in the world of politics where lobbyists have made a career of the practice of gaining access to influence key decision-makers.

Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people! – Proverbs 18:16

All the worldly manipulation for access is temporary and for naught when compared to the only meaningful, eternal access which is to our Father in Heaven. Access to God is not obtained by any worldly means, and turning the world view upside down, God has not shielded Himself from us and provided free access by giving us the gift of His Son.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life; For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. – John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9

Unlike my ‘gatekeeper’ who worked to restrict access, Jesus is the gatekeeper who welcomes all who will enter in faith.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me; Enter by the narrow gate… – John 14:6; Matthew 7:13

For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father; Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. – Romans 5:2; Ephesians 2:18

Come as you are. There is no need to try to make yourself ‘good enough’.

Come empty handed. There is no need for a gift to secure favor. God has provided the gift through Jesus.

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. – Revelation 22:17