ALL ACCESS
And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father (Eph. 2:17-18).
Last year for my husband’s birthday, I bought us tickets to a show in
Las Vegas. I wanted him to have the fullest experience possible, so I purchased an All Access Pass, which included front-row seating and backstage passes. After the show, I asked if he wanted to go back and meet the performers.
Surprisingly, he told me, “No, I wouldn’t even know what to say.” Instead of taking full advantage of our passes, we left the theater as others lined up behind velvet ropes to meet the cast.
In Ephesians 2:17-18, Jesus is the preacher of peace Paul is writing about. Paul says Jesus brought His Good News to two different groups of people: those who were near (the Jews) and those far off (the Gentiles). Essentially, Paul tells us that message is for all of us ... that we have full access to our Creator and Savior.
Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we have access to our Heavenly Father who is not hidden behind a silky curtain or velvet ropes. He doesn’t show partiality to those in the front-row seats because all who believe in Him are welcome. All have full access to His throne of grace.
The original Greek word Paul used for “access” is prosagoge (pronounced pros-a-go-gay). It’s defined as the right or opportunity to address someone, implying that the person who is addressed has a higher status. This is part of the profound mystery of God. We, who are mere mortals, have access to the Creator of the universe through His Son.
It’s one of the many spiritual blessings believers enjoy and others have
yet to experience. Just imagine for a minute what the world would be like without Him. Maybe remember a time when you were “far off” and someone told you about the gospel of peace.
What stops us from sharing this truth with others? Fear? Doubt?
One of Jesus’ own disciples struggled with doubt. His disbelief even earned him a nickname. When Jesus told His followers that He was going to be with His Father, He reassured them that He’d come back one day and take all of them to be with Him.
But that wasn’t enough for Thomas, who asked Jesus, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” (John 14:5).
In His response, Jesus gave us (and Doubting Thomas) a profound promise and helped us understand just who He is and the gift of full access He brings: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
Do you live as if you have full access to your Creator and Savior? Who in your sphere is far off and desperately needs to know they have full access to Jesus and His message of peace?