Pay Attention To HIM!

In the classic movie of “The Wizard Of Oz”, when Dorothy, the Scarecrow, The Lion, and the Tin Man returned to Oz to have their wishes granted by the “Great and Powerful Oz”, they met with disappointment at his refusal to follow through on his promise. Dorothy even stated, “If you were really great and powerful, you’d keep your promise.” As his voice continued to boom accompanied by puffs of smoke and flashes of light, Toto (Dorothy’s dog) began to tug at a curtain, ultimately exposing the man BEHIND THE CURTAIN. As he was stating, “The Great Oz has spoken!” he realized he was being exposed. Pulling the curtain back to hide himself he boomed out, “Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain. The Great Oz has spoken!” The truth was that the Wizard Of Oz was only a man with no power in himself to fulfill the wishes or needs of Dorothy and her three friends.

We have a need that man is unable to fulfill. However, there is one Who has gone BEHIND THE CURTAIN to grant an eternal assurance and He is truly “Great and Powerful” and trustworthy enough to keep His promises. Unlike the High Priests who went BEHIND THE CURTAIN (or veil) that separated the Holy and Most Holy Places once a year ( Hebrews 9:2-7) and then came out, Jesus went behind to remain on our behalf. When He died on the cross, that literal curtain was torn. ( Matthew 27:51) Then, when He ascended into Heaven, it is there He has continued to mediate on our behalf. ( Hebrews 4:14; 1 Timothy 2:5; Romans 8:34)

Regarding our hope of salvation that God set into motion, the Hebrew writer encouraged…

“(19) We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place BEHIND THE CURTAIN, (20) WHERE JESUS HAS GONE as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” ( Hebrews 6:19-20 ESV)
We have a steadfast hope anchored in the truly great and powerful One who has gone BEHIND THE CURTAIN. Having made provision for our eternal salvation, Jesus has gone ahead of us with the desire to ultimately bring us into His presence in the Most Holy Place above.

In contrast between the old and the new, the Hebrew writer encouraged…

“(23) The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, (24) but HE HOLDS HIS PRIESTHOOD PERMANENTLY, because he continues forever. (25) Consequently, HE IS ABLE TO SAVE TO THE UTTERMOST those who draw near to God through him, SINCE HE ALWAYS LIVES TO MAKE INTERCESSION FOR THEM.” ( Hebrews 7:23-25 ESV)

Because of Jesus we can have great confidence with regard to what is in store for those who are His. He will not disappoint us.

The Hebrew writer went on to state…
“(19) Therefore, brothers, since we have CONFIDENCE TO ENTER THE HOLY PLACES BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS, (20) by the new and living way that HE OPENED FOR US THROUGH THE CURTAIN, THAT IS, THROUGH HIS FLESH, (21) and since we have a great priest over the house of God, (22) let us draw near with a true heart in FULL ASSURANCE OF FAITH, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. (23) Let us hold fast the confession of our HOPE WITHOUT WAVERING, for HE WHO PROMISED IS FAITHFUL.” ( Hebrews 10:19-23 ESV)

Let us therefore pay attention to this One Who has gone BEHIND THE CURTAIN. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is presently making intercession for us, and desires to ultimately bring us into that eternal Heavenly Home. Because He truly is all “Great and Powerful” we can be assured of Him following through on His promises.

Have a great day ASSURED BY THE ONE WHO HAS OPENED THE WAY!
Carl

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