Intro

Listen to this prayer, found on a Middle Eastern tablet from the 7^th century BC.

May the wrath of the heart of my god be pacified!

May the god who is unknown to me be pacified! …

The sin which I have committed I know not.

The misdeed which I have committed I know not…

O Lord, my sins are many, great are my sins!

My god, my sins are many, great are my sins! …

The lord, in the anger of his heart, has looked upon me.

The god, in the wrath of his heart, has visited me…

I sought for help, but no one took my hand.

I wept, but no one came to my side.

This prayer is desperately sad.  The person calls to all the gods of the world for forgiveness, but finds himself completely abandoned.  He faces the guilt storms of his heart alone!  Now, listen to today’s passage.  Vs. 19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus.  Immediately we ask, why such confidence to enter holy places?  What are the “holy places”?