³ But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,
    my glory, and the lifter of my head.
Psalm 3:3 (ESV)
 
I went through the Tabernacle Experience again with Marea, but I didn’t touch the mp3 player this time.  Seemed to work fine when I didn’t mess with it :0)
 
We listened to the youth version as narrated by Samuel.  Samuel was dedicated to the Lord by Hannah who prayed through tears that God would grant her a son.  God answered her prayer.  His name, Samuel, sounds like the Hebrew for “heard by God.”
 
As Samuel led us through the experience, there was a lady in front of us.  She seemed to be taking in the experience at her own pace and letting the atmosphere and the words sink in.  We passed by her at the Bread of the Presence and continued to work our way through.
 
She was behind us the whole time.  She was next to go into the Holy of Holies to experience the mercy seat.  I never saw her again. 
 
I’ve thought about her off and on for the last couple of days.  Why didn’t she go past the curtain?  Why did she stop short?  I don’t know the answer to these questions, but it caused me to ask others.
 
How many people grow up in the church (like Samuel) but never fully believe that Jesus died for them?  They think they have to be good enough to die for…  Do you believe the lie that God wants you to clean up before you approach the throne room? 
 
Jesus came for those who need Him the most and those who think they need Him the least.  He came for the ones that think being good is good enough and for those who hang their heads in shame.
 
Jesus Christ is the lifter of your head.  As someone who has struggled with the shame of my past that is huge.  Imagine Jesus standing before you and your head is bowed low… not out of reverence, but out of insignificance.  You shouldn’t even be here. 
 
But Jesus doesn’t say a word.  He takes His hand and lifts your chin.  He looks deeply into your eyes, wet with tears, and says, “I came for you, too.  I died for you, too.  You matter to me.”
 
Our God is the same God.  Powerful, intimate, worthy, strong, and relentlessly pursuing our hearts.
 
May hope abound today.
Soli Deo Gloria!
F –