You probably already knew that. But here's why we're pointing that out. Poker players normally can't blame what happens to them on a bad call from the referee. Or poor instructions from the "bench." Or even lousy work by the dealer (although some have tried that). It's ultimately up to you, and the choices you make with the cards you have.
Our last post pointed out how some poker players would rather not talk about God or Jesus Christ. They seem more comfortable talking about people who represent the Godhead.
That happens more often in the Christian world than you might realize. Our last post noted it even happened with ancient Israel asking Moses to be their representative before God. But that's not really how God wants things done.
And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. - Matthew 27:50-51
Why is that detail about a curtain mentioned alongside the death of Jesus? Because it symbolized a major change in worship for believers in God. Before that moment, the temple area was divided into sections....
Hang the curtain from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the curtain. The curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. - Exodus 26:32-33
Israel was told God occupied that "Most Holy Place," and humans could go in there only one time a year - or better put, one human, in the form of a high priest (Leviticus 16). But the splitting of that curtain changed everything - as the New Testament era brought new symbolism.
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith.... - Hebrews 10:19-22
There's a lot packed into those four verses. The blood Jesus shed when He died for our sins allows us to go before God the Father directly.
When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here... he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood.... - Hebrews 9:11-12
So you can "draw near" to God now, in worship and prayer. Not because of some intermediary high priest. Not because of an angel. Not even because you like some Christian celebrity poker player. As an old hymn says, you can "come to the Father through Jesus the Son."
So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. - Romans 5:11 (NLT)
The poker players we met the other night seemed ready to keep God at a distance, with someone intervening for them. But God wants us to have close contact with Him - and actually become His friend. Are you ready for that kind of relationship? And ready to honor the God who invites you to it?
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