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As the days grow longer and warmer, I am reminded that it’s time to renew my New York State Parks pass. The pass gives me unlimited access to my favorite beach on Long Island and any other NYS park.

Once, while out to lunch with one of my neighbors, I discovered that, because of my age, I no longer needed the Empire Pass to access my favorite beach. I had been paying $65 annually for the past five years unnecessarily. What a nice surprise and joy it was to find that I had free access.

Jesus spoke the above words to Mary when she encountered His resurrected body for the first time (John 20:17). Jesus was telling Mary what He had just accomplished by dying for the sins of the world. I can only imagine the joy He must have felt in giving His friends this good news. He was essentially saying, “Look at what I’ve accomplished for you—continual access to the heavenly throne room of God.”

The Bible tells us that Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray. He never did anything without first seeking His Father’s guidance, and His greatest joy was to do His Father’s will. Jesus was our example of a perfect relationship with the Father, including total access to His storehouse, where He can supply our needs. 

I have always known how desperately I need God, so prayer is a priority for me. Through my relationship with Christ, I have come to know His character. I know I can depend on Him. Therefore, nothing prevents me from praying. Having access to the Father holds special meaning to me.

The Father sees us just as He sees Jesus. We are part of His family, and it all began at the cross. Our Savior became a willing sacrifice because He knew that His suffering would tear down the walls of separation between sinful people and a holy God.

Through His sacrifice, Jesus purchased this intimate, holy relationship that we could never accomplish on our own. If Jesus is your Lord and Savior, you have access. Claim it today and rejoice that, as His beloved, you are welcome to come near.