For through Him we both have access
by one Spirit to the Father. – Ephesians 2:18
In his letter to the believers in Ephesus, Paul writes about the access that we have to the Father. In Yeshua the Messiah, both Jewish and non-Jewish believers can access the presence of God. The Greek word for “access” that Paul used in Ephesians 2:18, means “a leading or bringing into the presence of.”
God desires to have relationships with people. His desire is that we will always be with Him. During the time of the Tabernacle in the wilderness, only Moses had a real and living relationship with God (Exodus 33:9-11). God spoke to him face to face, but wanted all Israel to experience that closeness.
King David enjoyed a wonderful relationship with God. It was David who brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. He treasured the nearness of God. David wrote numerous songs, and appointed musicians and singers to continually worship God. David adored the presence of the Lord.
The glory of God descended at the dedication of the Temple, during the reign of King Solomon. The Lord touched His people and desired to dwell with them. God wanted to be involved in every Israelite’s life.
Even though they lived before the Cross, they experienced the Glory of God in powerful ways. However, they didn’t know about the sacrifice of Yeshua, and never experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Today, as believers, we are new creations in Yeshua the Messiah! Our sins are forgiven, and the Holy Spirit lives within us. We should be ever mindful of the price Yeshua paid for us by chasing after God’s presence, and entering into it through the access that He made for us.
God wants to meet with us and has prepared a way for us to do this. He waits for us to come. He wants to hear our voice. He wants to touch, heal, restore and equip His children. In Yeshua, God accepts us and grants us His favor.
Editor’s note: This article is a section from Andrey’s book Come With Me Into His Presence.