Devotions for Lent – Day 8

Go Away

“He who opens the breach goes up before them; they break through and pass the gate, going out by it.”         (Micah 2:13)

Read Isaiah 45:15-25.

The first time I saw The Wizard of Oz, I was stunned and sad when they finally got to the castle door, only to hear the guard say, “The wizard says, ‘Go away!’” How could this be?

Yet, in real life, everything about the temple said just that — go away. Even when the high priest entered the Holy of Holies once a year, the other priests would tie a rope around his ankle. That way, if he were struck dead in the presence of God, they could drag him out of the temple without risking their own lives. Want to volunteer? The temple was a fearsome place. Then the veil was torn. When Jesus ascended through the heavens, he went before us to be with the Father.

One day, we, too, will enter the veil fearlessly, but until then, we can come before God confidently in prayer. Do you know someone who lacks the confidence to pray? Write a prayer interceding for that person.

Prayer Starter:
Jesus, you have broken down every barrier. Give me the confidence to come to You now with . . .