Bridging the Gap

I've heard it said, "if you don't feel close to God- guess who moved?" The ancient Jews, you, and I have all in our time moved farther away from God. A great chasm, gorge, gulf has come between us- one of our own making. In order to bridge this distance, God sent us Someone to close the gap. Priest actually translates as "bridge." And so, Jesus, our great, high priest is the great, high bridge that spans that chasm of our own creating and brings us back safely across the "great divide" - back to our Father. And, by His example, we, too, are to be tiny "bridges" that help others find their way back to the only safe haven there is. Jesus spans the whole distance for all mankind; but we in our own halting way, somewhere along the path, could help someone else with just a few steps, as we all struggle limpingly along on the great highway that leads back "home."

James 4.8 - Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

1 Timothy 2.5 - God is on one side and all the people are on the other side, and Jesus Christ is between them to bring them together, by giving his life for all mankind.

Hebrews 2.17 - Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people.

1 Peter 3.18 - He died once for the sins of all us guilty sinners, although he was innocent of any sin at the time, that he might bring us safely home to God.

Colossians 1.20,21 - It was through what his Son did, that God cleared a path for everything to come to him. This includes you who were once so far away.

Ephesians 2.13 - Now you belong to Jesus Christ, and though you were once far away from God, now you have been brought very near to him because of what Jesus Christ has done for you.

Hebrews 6.19,20 - This certain hope of being saved is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls, connecting us with God himself behind the sacred curtains of heaven, where Christ has gone ahead to plead for us from his position as our High Priest.

Hebrews 9.24 - For Christ has entered into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.

1 Peter 2.9 - You are the chosen race, the King's priest, the holy nation, God's own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his own marvelous light.