Access

The other day, after arriving home from vacation, I stopped by the church to get something. I reached into my pocket to get my keys but didn’t have them. I had no access, and I was locked out. The word access has meaning for us in many different ways. We can access our cars and homes through a key that unlocks them. We have passwords that unlock software programs. When you stay at a hotel, they give you a card that gives you access to your room, any outside doors, and other places in the hotel.

Through Jesus, we have access to the Father. This happens because of Jesus’ death on the cross. Paul explains the benefit of Jesus’ death to the Ephesians: “But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:13-14).

Hatred and prejudice are nothing new. Jews and Gentiles held disdain and hatred for each other. Christ brought peace and brought the two groups together. As a person comes to know and love Christ, you also love your neighbor you previously hated. Jesus is the peacemaker between us and the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The sentence “he himself’ is powerfully emphatic, and the emphasis is meant to stir our hearts. As our peace, he “has made the two one by destroying the barrier.

Jesus fulfilled the moral law of the Old Testament, but he set aside all the ceremonial code that hindered the Gentiles. Paul writes: By setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations, Jesus’ purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two by bringing peace (Eph 2:15).

Christ's sacrifice brought freedom and peace. He fulfilled the moral law, keeping all its requirements, but he abolished the Jewish ceremonial law. The ceremonial law’s requirements, with its endless washings and tedious Sabbath restrictions, had been such a barrier, were gone. At the same time, he fulfilled the moral law, giving us access through grace. His sacrifice has liberated us from the burdens of the law and brought us peace. 

Jesus is the ultimate source of unity and reconciliation. In our world, marred by prejudice and hatred, some advocate for divisive measures. They talk of elevating one race over another. But they are mistaken. The true solution lies in understanding that Jesus is our peace. He has removed the wall of hostility. When we receive Jesus, we receive peace. He reconciles us to God the Father and to our fellow human beings. Through Jesus, we are connected and reconciled, gaining access to God and to our once-despised enemies.

Accomplishments

Marilyn and I had the privilege of traveling to California to attend the 8th-grade graduation of our granddaughter, Caitlin, and the high school graduation of our grandson, Donovan. Both graduated with honors and were featured in additional ways. Caitlin played the National Anthem on her saxophone, and Donovan gave a speech at his graduation. Both did an excellent job. We are so proud of both of them and of their accomplishments. It was a special blessing for us to be able to attend both of these events. We also participated in a party for family and friends to celebrate these accomplishments.

We were also privileged to attend the graduation of our Missouri granddaughter, Eliana, who graduated from the eighth grade with honors. We attended her graduation before we left for California. We have a lot to be grateful for, including seven wonderful grandchildren. These grandchildren would not be who they are and where they are without the diligence and encouragement of their parents.

We also had the opportunity to visit our families in California, including Marilyn’s mother, who is 91 and still lives alone. We got to see some of Marilyn’s sisters and a brother. I was able to see my sister and brother-in-law. Of course, visiting our daughter and son-in-law was a special time.

We drove to California, crossing Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. The Lord protected us during our journey of many miles, and we are grateful for a safe trip. 

The success of a student in school, both academically and socially, is absolutely relative to the stability and encouragement of the parents. It is not easy to raise children in this world full of challenges; however, when parents are consistent, the rewards are great.

As you navigate the journey of raising your family, I urge you to stay the course. Every step you take in motivating and guiding your children is an investment that will yield dividends in the long run.

Over the years, we have worked hard with our family, but we are now receiving some gratifying dividends.