Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Now we come to the entrance to the Holy of Holies where God’s presence dwells. In the tabernacle of Moses, a veil stood at the entrance. Nobody dared to go past this veil except the high priest. He only entered once a year to offer a sacrifice for the sins of the people, and he had to prepare himself to do that.
But today, we can boldly go into God’s presence. When Jesus died on the cross, the veil was ripped in two showing that His sacrifice was accepted once and for all.
There are still many ‘veils’ that can keep children from entering into God’s presence. Here are three.
Kids who don’t know God can’t enter into His presence. That’s why it’s so important to introduce children to God at an early age.
John 9:31 Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him.
Kids who are embarrassed because their friends might make fun of them or because they might look foolish have a hard time entering the presence of God. This is why it’s important to teach children to be bold in their faith.
Luke 9:26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.
Some kids won’t enter God’s presence because of stubbornness or pride.
Isaiah 66:2 But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word.
It’s important to teach children that whatever hinders them from God’s presence, whatever veil is blocking their way, must be ripped in two. A great way to teach them this is to have a piece of cloth that’s easy to rip. Make a small cut to get it started. Have each child who wants to enter God’s presence rip the cloth in two.
Unfortunately there’s something else that hinders children from entering God’s presence – well meaning adults. Some adults will stop children from worshiping God because they might worship in a boisterous way or because they think the children don’t understand what they’re doing.
There are two Bible stories that address people who try to hinder worship.
The first is found in 2 Samuel 6. David came into the city with the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of God’s presence, dancing and singing. Michael was embarrassed by David’s behavior and told him so. David told her he would not let her stop him but would look even more foolish in his worship. Michael was punished by God for hindering David and became barren.
The other story is found in Matthew 21:15-16. When Jesus entered the temple, children cried out to Him in praise. The religious leaders of the time told Jesus He should stop them. Jesus said, “From the lips of children and infants, God has ordained praise.” The word ordain in the Greek means to lead or to start.
God wants children to lead in praise and worship. We should lead them into doing this. It’s a dangerous thing to hinder the praise and worship of children.
