I've been reading through "Give Thanks" and wanted to share one of the
my favorite stories with you. I know it's a little longer read... but the
symbolism of the painting is shared in the last paragraph...
so don't quit reading to early... and may your hearts be filled with praise!
Have you ever thought about what an incredible privilege it is for ordinary
people, folks like you and me, to enter into the presence of Almighty God?
Humbling to consider, to say the least.
Almighty God is holy… sinless, perfect, pure.
There’s absolutely no dirt hiding in the corners or under the carpet.
We, on the other hand, are... sinful, imperfect, and impure...
from carrying our sin nature in our hearts and rubbing shoulders with the world.
Yet, because God loves us and longs for relationship with us,
He invites us to come to Him just as we are.
We are not required to clean ourselves up or dust ourselves off.
We are not obligated to attain some of level of spiritual success
or perfection in order to gain access to the King.
We are told simply to enter with thanksgiving. How can this be?
This invitation is almost inconceivable until you draw near
and see the bloodstains on the gate
and remember who went before you to prepare your way.
The gate is open wide, and the crimson stains call out the price that was paid
on the cross so that you could gain entrance into God’s throne room.
You can do nothing to earn your entrance or to open the gates any wider.
You can only say ‘Yes’ to God’s invitation, accept Christ’s payment by faith,
and enter His gates with thanksgiving.
Thank God today for the blood of Jesus,
for it is only by His blood that we are able enter into His presence.
Love and hugs...
Karla
