Hosanna Restoration Church

Have you ever had a nightmare that scared you so badly that when you woke up you had a hard time getting it out of your head but once you were fully awake you were so relieved that it was just a nightmare? Have you ever been in danger and were just thankful to get to a place of safety? When I was a kid there was a big Doberman in our neighborhood. Many times when I was riding my bike that dog would come after me. Every time he came I was so afraid and I would pedal as fast as I could and the lift up my legs so he could not bite me. The thing was almost as tall as my bike. Every time I arrived home safely I was very relieved.

One day that dog came right to our yard and our little Rat Terrier came to my rescue. I was so afraid that big dog was going to kill our little dog but Skippy was not one bit afraid. He grabbed that dog by the throat and hung on. So there was this big dog standing on top of my little dog, only little Skippy had a lock on that dog’s throat and would not let go. When he finally released his hold, that big dog took off and never again ventured into our yard. I was always safe there. After that I did not fear when that dog was out, because I knew there was a place he dared not go.

I had forgotten about that dog until I began thinking about coming boldly into the Most Holy Place. I see the devil as that big dog. Before Jesus came into my life, that big dog had the upper hand. He chased me wherever I went. But then one day, Jesus got that big dog by the throat for me and now the devil has no power and no place in my life. The same is true for everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord.

So now we come boldly into the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus. Boldly first because we don’t have to fear the devil; he can lie and bark all he wants, but the truth is we can to go to Jesus no matter what shape we are in. Not because of our righteousness but because of His blood. We don’t have to stand outside and be tormented we just run right in.

Secondly, we go boldly because we have the promise of God. We have His promise guaranteed by the blood of Jesus. If we do not boldly claim those promises, then we are in effect declaring that we are not sure of the power of Jesus blood. It is thanks to the blood of Jesus that we can come at all. And if we can come, then we should come boldly.

It is because of the blood that we can rejoice when trials come, because we know where our refuge is. After Skippy took the territory, I would always look forward to rounding that last corner and seeing that big dog take off in another direction. I still chuckle when I think about that. The devil thought he had the upper hand when Jesus was on the cross, but that blood got him by the throat and sealed his fate. Be bold. Be strong. The blood is for you. It is like pepper spray in the face of the devil. Enjoy it!