The Journey to Intimacy

The person who does not respond to the wooing of the Spirit of God to a deeper understanding of who He is will remain at the outer court of the temple King Solomon built. (King Solomon’s temple is a physical example of our spiritual journey to intimacy with God.) Since a relationship is the antidote for the empty soul, those without intimacy with their creator will wander aimlessly in a barren desert. They will stay in a fruitless search for fulfillment.

 The Lord created us for communion with Himself. Without an experiential relationship with Christ, we remain with what the world offers. However, everything in the world is temporary; all things of Christ are eternal. This world and everything in it will pass away.

The gate to the inner court is open for all who desire to know more about the life giver and life changer. It is here, in the inner court, the seeker confronts sacrifice. The perfect Lamb of God lies on the altar, a life for a life. He paid the required penalty for sin so that we might live.

 The beauty of the gift so freely given captivates the heart and spurs us on toward an even deeper experience. This kind of love pierces the heart and gets our attention.

1 John 4:19

Living Bible

19 So you see, our love for him comes as a result of his loving us first.

The magnitude of the crucified Christ and His unrestrained love for us floods and overwhelms the soul with gratitude. The glorious sacrifice reveals our need and utter helplessness to do anything about its result.

 The inner court is where a spiritual DNA transformation occurs. We change focus. We repent and are free because we experience forgiveness. When we allow the Spirit of God to speak to our hearts, we realize Christ endured death to win our freedom.

Now, we are in harmony with God for the first time, and for the first time, we sacrifice ourselves on the altar with joy. No longer are we alone in life. The “I” in our life is now “We.” God becomes the focus, and “I” diminishes as the primary concern.

Christ stands at the temple’s door, beckoning the seeker to enter the Holy Place. Our religious activities without a personal relationship with God are left behind. Sacrifice, judgment, and redemption are satisfied in the inner court.

 Facing the door to the holy place, I realize it is the only door that leads toward intimacy, and only one person, Christ alone, can open it. The door will swing open to whoever craves more than a superficial encounter.