Encouragement for Today - June 13, 2005

June 13

Encouragement for Today

“The Bridal Veil” – Part 1

By Susanne Scheppmann, Proverbs 31 Speaker Team Member, Co-editor Online Devotions

Key Verse:

Hebrews 6:19, “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil.” (NASB)

Devotion:

Tall majestic pine trees lined the path. Fragrant forest scents seasoned the air. I did not expect to see anything more scenic than this path through Yosemite National Park. I continued hiking up the path when, I jolted to a stop in hypnotic wonder. Before me thundered The Bridal Veil Falls. Thousands of gallons of springtime water sliced down a gray granite wall, spraying sparkling drops to refresh the awestruck tourists. Amazement washed over me.

As I stood transfixed before the Bridal Veil Falls, I thought how the Woman at the Well, in the fourth chapter of John, must have felt – tired, worn-out and hopeless. Then Jesus dropped by. The Living Water desired to quench her soul-thirst. He told her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (NIV)

But Jesus is even more than that to us. In addition to being the Living Water, Jesus described himself with various illustrations so we could begin to understand the importance He brings to our lives. He is The Rock, The Foundation, and The River of Life.

Most importantly, He is the only One who can bring us before the Heavenly Father. Through His death, on a tortuous cross, we have access to the throne room of God. See what Hebrews 10:19 tells us:

“So, friends, we can now – without hesitation – walk right up to God, into "the Holy Place." Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of his sacrifice, acting as our priest before God. The "curtain" into God's presence is his body.” (The Message)

It is through His body, the Veil or Curtain that we obtain the privilege of entering into God’s Divine Presence.

Isn’t that exciting? Just as I hiked up to the Bridal Veil Falls in Yosemite National Park, Scripture tells us we can “walk right up to God” because of Jesus. I don’t know about you, but I am ready to be splashed by some of the Living Water bouncing off the Veil. I want to be like the Woman at the Well who was so revived by the Presence of the Living Water that many from her town believed in Jesus, the Christ. (John 4:39)

Are you ready to get wet?

My Prayer for Today:

Oh Lord God, draw me close to You. Thank You, that because of Jesus I can approach Your throne without hesitation. Please drench me with Your Living Water.

Application Steps:

Go outside and grab the garden hose. Turn the water on. Spray it heavenward and then let the refreshing spray fall back on you. (Forget your hair!) Now think about Jesus. Thank God for His Living Water and for making a way for you to walk right into the revitalizing Presence of God.

Reflection Points:

How often do I approach God through the veil of Jesus?

What sacrifice did it cost Christ for me to be able to have access to the Father?

Why do I hesitate to let Christ drench me with His love?

Power Verses:

Ephesians 3:12, “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” (NIV)

Hebrews 4:16, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (NIV)

Hebrews 10:22, “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” (NIV)

James 4:8, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (NASB)

Additional Resources:

Living Life on Purpose, by Lysa TerKeurst

http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/newresources_livingLife.htm

Life Planning Journal, by Lysa TerKeurst

http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/newresources_lifePlanningJournal.htm

P31 Woman Magazine

http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/woman.htm