The Buffer Became the Bridge

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 Numbers 3:38

“Moses and Aaron and his sons were to camp in front of the tabernacle, on the east, in front of the tent of meeting, toward the sunrise, guarding the sanctuary for the people of Israel; and any outsider who came near was to be put to death.”

Hebrews 4:15–16
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Romans 8:13
“For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”

Numbers 3 shows us something sobering about holiness. God’s presence was not casual. The tabernacle was guarded, and the Levites were placed as a living boundary so that wrath would not fall on the people. Sinful humans could not approach holy God on their own. The buffer was not cruelty—it was mercy. God Himself provided protection for His people.

Hebrews 4 shifts the picture in a stunning way. We are told that Jesus, our High Priest, was tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. And because of Him, we are invited to draw near with confidence—not to a throne of judgment, but to a throne of grace. The same God who once required a buffer now invites us close, because Christ has made a way.

This is where we must be careful not to fall into cheap grace. Grace is not permission to keep sinning because “Jesus is enough.” If Jesus is enough, then we now have what we need to fight. Romans 8 does not say there is no condemnation so we can relax into sin. It says that by the Spirit we can put to death the deeds of the body. Grace does not excuse sin—it empowers transformation.

We come boldly not because sin is small, but because grace is powerful. We hold firmly to our confession not by clinging to our performance, but by clinging to Christ. We fight not to earn God’s love, but to guard a relationship we treasure. The buffer became the bridge, and the bridge leads us into a life that mirrors Him.

Prayer
Father, thank You that You provided what I could never provide for myself. Thank You for Jesus, my High Priest, who makes a way for me to draw near. Keep me from treating grace lightly. By Your Spirit, give me strength to put to death what pulls me away from You. Help me cling to Christ and guard the closeness You have given me. Amen.

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