Entering God’s Presence Today

Have you ever felt a longing to be close to God, to feel His love and protection surrounding you like a warm embrace? The Bible shows us two beautiful pictures of meeting God: the majestic Most Holy in the Old Testament and the simple closet of prayer in the New Testament. Through Jesus, we’ve been given a privilege that changes everything—no longer limited by a merit system, we can now enter God’s presence with humility. Let’s explore this incredible gift and see how Jesus Himself makes it possible.

The Most Holy: A Glimpse of God’s Glory

In the Old Testament, God’s presence was found in the Most Holy, a sacred room in the Tabernacle and later the Temple (Ex 25:22). It was a place of awe, filled with golden treasures, the Ark of the Covenant, and the sweet aroma of incense. God’s glory shone there, but only the High Priest could enter—once a year, after careful rituals (Lev 16:2). This was a “secret place” (Ps 91:1), where God’s power and holiness were so intense that no evil could touch it. Imagine standing there, overwhelmed by His love and greatness, as if taking off your shoes before a holy God (Ex 3:5).

But this sacred space was out of reach for most people. It required perfection, sacrifices, and a special role. God’s presence was real, but access was limited, like a treasure locked behind a heavy veil.

The Closet: A Humble Invitation

Fast forward to the New Testament, and Jesus changes everything. In Matthew 6:6, He says, “But you, when you pray, enter your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” A closet? It’s just a small, private room—nothing fancy, no gold or incense. Yet, this is the new “secret place” where we meet God.

The closet is about humility. It’s not about showing off or earning God’s favor with rituals. You close the door, leave the world behind, and talk to God heart-to-heart. In that quiet space, you can feel His love, sense His greatness, and know His protection, just like in the Most Holy. But now, everyone can enter—no special title needed. Jesus made this possible by becoming the bridge to God’s presence.

Jesus: From Majesty to Humility

This shift from the Most Holy to the closet mirrors Jesus Himself. In the Old Testament, God often appeared as the Angel of the Lord, a figure of power and glory. He spoke to Moses in a burning bush (Ex 3:2-6) and led armies as a mighty commander (Jos 5:13-15). People trembled before Him, sensing His divine majesty. But in the New Testament, Jesus came as the God-Man, with “no form or majesty; and no beauty that we should desire him” (Isa 53:2). He wasn’t a dazzling king but a humble carpenter, born in a stable, who washed His disciples’ feet and died on a cross.

This humble Jesus tore the veil of the Temple when He died (Mt 27:51), opening the way for all of us to enter God’s presence. He invites us into the closet, where we don’t need to earn God’s love or prove our worth. As James 4:6 says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” In the closet, we come humbly, and God pours out His grace, wrapping us in His love and shielding us from evil (Ps 91:9-10).

The Privilege of God’s Presence

What a gift we have through Jesus! The Most Holy was a glimpse of God’s glory, but only for a few. Now, through Christ, we can all experience the fullness of God’s presence. When you pray in your closet—whether it’s a quiet room, a walk in nature, or a moment of stillness in your heart—you’re stepping into a sacred space. It’s where you feel God’s love, like a sweet fragrance, and know His power protects you. No evil can touch you there, because you’re with the Creator of all things.

This isn’t about earning God’s favor like in the Old Testament’s merit system. It’s about humility—coming to God as you are, trusting Jesus to bring you close. As Hebrews 10:19-22 tells us, we can now “enter the Most Holy Place” through Christ’s sacrifice, with confidence and a sincere heart.

Step Into Your Closet Today

Take a moment today to find your “closet.” Shut the door to distractions and pray to your Father in secret. Feel His presence, stronger than any fear or trouble. Through Jesus, the humble Savior, you’re invited into the secret place—not a far-off sanctuary, but a personal encounter with the God who loves you. Let humility open the door, and let God’s grace fill your heart.

 

Did you notice in the title of the photo “Enter Thy Closet” that there were three crosses and the centre one was pure white without and black within? Meditate on this truth!