DAY 7

VIP ACCESS

MATT CIARAMITARO, YOUTH PASTOR

Have you ever been somewhere with special access? Maybe you were a VIP, platinum reward member, or had a security clearance. Regardless, there’s a feeling of confidence that comes with knowing you have a special privilege, with knowing you belong.

This past summer, some friends and I were working as team members at the Thunder Over Michigan air show. Not only did we each have a “volunteer” wristband, we also had a second wristband that read “special access.” That meant we could go wherever we wanted to go, without restriction. (I suppose the cockpit of the planes would have been pushing the limits, but you get the idea.) We could get into buildings, past barricades, skip past the crowds, and even drive my truck on the premises. After experiencing a show like that, I don’t think I could ever go back to being an average attendee, someone on the outside with restrictions of where I could go and what I could do.The reason we had unlimited access is because we were members of the leadership team. We had been asked by our friend Kevin, who was in charge, and on his authority we were given that access!

You may not know this, but as a follower of Christ, you have been given special access through Christ and through faith to approach God. Unfortunately, many Christians today do not take full advantage of their access. Instead, they act like outsiders. They place limitations on themselves and approach God with timidity. They are either ignorant of their position in Christ, they feel they aren’t worthy of it, or worse yet, they don’t value what their access grants. Listen to what Paul says in his letter to the Ephesians. (Contextually, he was addressing Gentiles who were feeling excluded or like “second class” Christians.)

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him, we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

—Ephesians 2:14–18

Paul was explaining to the believers that any past barriers had been completely destroyed. This imagery may be a call back to the literal tearing of the temple veil at the crucifixion (Matthew 27:51). Either way, Paul highlights that not only did God bring peace, but He Himself is peace. Because of this, the results are astounding. Look at what he says next!

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household. —Ephesians 2:19

Our wristband has been fully upgraded! We aren’t outsiders. We are citizens of God’s kingdom. That means we receive all the rights of someone who lives with God’s people. He doesn’t stop there. He says that we are members of his household. Don’t let that slip by. That is a big deal!

I’ll never forget going to my friend Tim’s house for the first time. He explained to me that we were refrigerator friends. Confused, I asked him to explain. He replied that there was no reason to ask for permission, but that I had been given access to the fridge. Strangers need to ask permission, but you go right on in. Whatever I wanted in there, I could have. Now to me, this was a big deal. I don’t let anyone in my fridge. It’s sacred... I don’t know why, it just is. I think it is rude to go into someone's fridge without asking. In fact, I purchased a separate drink fridge in my basement that students have full access to, but that is separated from my actual fridge. Thank the Lord, God treats us more like my friend Tim than I treat people. This is a perfect illustration of God’s grace to us. What a privilege we have to be a member of his household. How do I know that being members of God’s household grants us such bold access? Paul says so himself a few verses later.

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. —Ephesians 3:12

As you spend time with the Lord today, ask yourself these questions?

Am I approaching God with timidity and uncertainty, limiting what I ask for?

Be reminded that through Christ God has given you full access to approach the Lord. You are just as welcome to come to Him as someone is in their own home.

Do I truly understand my position, and do I feel worthy of it?

Remember that we are to approach God with freedom and confidence. That confidence doesn’t come because Pastor Matt said so; it comes through faith because God’s word said so. You are worthy of your position not based on what you have done, but on what God has done through the cross.

Am I truly thankful and valuing the access that I have been given?

Don’t squander the greatest opportunity you have. Ascribe to the Lord all His worth, and become thankful for the position He has given you.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you for your grace, your generosity, and your kindness. Thank you for including me and allowing me access to your presence even though I don’t deserve it. Thank you for changing my position and calling me a member of your household. Jesus, thank you for paying for my way in when I had no ability to do so on my own. Jesus, give me a heart of gratitude and awe toward our relationship. May I cherish you and bring you all the praise, honor, and glory, amen!