Access for all – Ephesians 2:17-18

He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near,  for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.

Access. Access is a small word with a large meaning. The Cambridge dictionary defines it as: the method or possibility of approaching a place or person, or the right to use or look at something.

If we apply that meaning to the above scripture we understand that the Holy Spirit provides us with the possibility, the method and the right to come close to the Father, with God. In a time when many people are exploring new and varied ways to develop their spirituality, this text becomes an important reminder of how we really come close to God. When we respond to the Spirit of God the way to God becomes open, accessible.

I was asked while chatting with someone after church last weekend whether God hears the prayers of the unrighteous or of those whose lifestyle is displeasing to God (those were that person’s terms – not mine). I thought about this for a moment trying to figure where the question was coming from. This person was concerned that God would not hear her prayers because of certain things that were not right in her life. Many people struggle with this same thought, believing that if there is sin in their lives God will not listen or respond to their prayers. If that were the case we’d all be lost, there’d be no hope of any of us coming to God or sustaining our walk with Him.

Jesus’ message was for those near and far. People from both groups gain access to God through the one Holy Spirit. The Spirit’s main role on earth is to bring people close to God. He does that by wooing us to God and encouraging us to pray. Think about it… if God rejects the prayers of those who are afar off from Him how could anyone be saved? Isn’t it our prayers, even when we’re afar off, that bring us closer? If God were to reject our prayers just because we didn’t measure up then the very road to freedom in Him itself would be blocked. He does indeed hear our prayers when our heart cries out to Him. We should never let an action or failing keep us from prayer, on the contrary, prayer is a way for us to get back, get right, get with Him.