The Password!

The Password!

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. Psalms 100:4 KJV

As I read this passage, I am reminded of the picture of the tabernacle God asked Moses to set up, with strict warnings to build it exactly as God showed him. In the New Testament, we read that the old tabernacle and its practices was just a shadow of the real deal that God was preparing. What are those things that made the old tabernacle so special?

First, God gave clear instructions as to what should be used for the gates. There had to be a curtain, about 30 feet wide, which was taller than anyone in all Israel, and had to be parted by all who came in to worship. All had to go in through the curtain: priest, prophet and people. It had nothing to do with class, prestige, wealth or connections; all used the same opening. Access is given freely to all men today. I can't buy access with money. The gate also faced a particular direction, and anyone who desired to approach God had to go in the direction of the gate.

The access into the gate is thanksgiving, as seen in today's extract. It is the one thing that secures you access into those courts, where you meet with God and get answers to your many requests. The gates and the court under the old tabernacle represent the place of meeting with God, where men brought sacrifices to atone for sins. Under the new dispensation, rather than blood and bulls, God demands thanksgiving and praise  as the passwords. Under this new dispensation, we speak about sacrifice of praise, and thank offerings, which get God's attention like nothing else can.

So God calls me to draw near, and all I need is the right password into his Presence. He's not asking for blood or bulls; all he's asking for is the right heart, one full of praise & thanksgiving, an acknowledgement of his power, might and authority. When I apply the password, I open up the treasures of his Presence and can access the greatness, glory and grace only He can provide and sustain. His time of favour is here.