He Opened The Way

January 2019 – Grace & Truth Magazine

He Opened The Way

Young children approach their parents differently based on the situation at the moment. If they have been obedient, acting in ways that make their parents happy, they look for their parents and come to them without any hesitation. However, guilty boys and girls often hide. When they do get to the point of coming to their parents, many of these youngsters will come slowly and with their heads bowed. This sometimes changes when children think there is a greater danger to their welfare from someone else – such as a neighbor or the police – than the possible punishment from Dad or Mom (see 1 Chr. 21:13). Interestingly, we are not all that much different.

With older children there is the danger of hardened consciences, where the guilt of wrongdoing is ignored. Also, eventually there is a realization that earthly parents are not always right. However, the Father of all believers is perfect in every way. Anything that would cause a problem in a relationship with Him is the fault of the person, not God.

Since we all have sinned, how can a person approach God? Most people are not allowed to get close to a leader of a powerful country. Generally, only people of certain standing are invited to meet such an important person – and that for but a few moments in the leader’s office or reception area. Such visits may require us to get a special suit or dress and to act much better than normal – doing something to prepare ourselves to approach important people. However, only God could ever address the matters that would keep us from Him (Isa. 61:10; Rev. 19:7-8). He opened the way for us to approach Him (Mk. 15:38) – doing all that was necessary, to His satisfaction (1 Jn. 4:9-10).

Why would He do this? It is for the same reason parents seek to have the way open for their children to approach them: love. Maybe you remember this verse: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (Jn. 3:16 KJV). In love, He has opened the way for you to come to Him. Have you accepted His offer of eternal salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ?

By Paul Alberts