GOD’S WORD

“And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook, and the rocks were split.”

Matthew 27:50-51

“Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”

Hebrews 10:19-22

REFLECTION

The “veil of the temple” refers to the inner curtain of the “Holy of Holies,” which resided in the center of the Old Testament temple of worship. The curtain severely restricted access to God to only a privileged few. Now, the gates to God’s presence are open wide to all who would enter through the cross of Jesus Christ. God Himself tore the curtain in two, proclaiming that in Jesus’ death, the final sacrifice has been made for our sins.

Jesus gave His spirit in death at about 3 PM on that Friday. This was the time when the priests were in the temple in Jerusalem preparing for the evening sacrifices. Now, imagine how horrified those same religious leaders must have become when they realized that no one had been allowed near the Holy of Holies and yet, somehow, the veil had been torn. Did any of them finally believe Jesus’ words, that a new way had been opened up for us to draw near to God—centered not on imperfect obedience to the commandments, but through the perfect life and now sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

WALK through the curtain and LOOK upon the ark of the covenant. Before Christ came to earth the ark represented God’s presence with His people. But now in Christ, we have His presence with us always. Celebrate your access to God, won for you through the obedience, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We who were alienated from God, even under His wrath, have been brought near, cleansed, forgiven, and granted complete and full access into God’s favor and presence.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you for receiving the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on my behalf, for tearing away the veil that kept me from You, and for granting me access to enter Your holy presence. May I fully receive your forgiveness and mercy this Easter season. As I prepare to approach the cross on which, solely, my access is granted, may I have the confidence and full assurance to enter Your presence.