You and the Torn Curtain

[Mark 15:37-38 NIV] With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.

Have you ever given much thought to what the miracle of the torn curtain means to the way in which you walk with Jesus? The fact that this incredibly beautiful, thick curtain was torn in two from top to bottom means that no human hand could have managed the rending of this sacred covering that separated the Most Holy Place in the temple from all the other courts. On the day Jesus died, a place that only the high priest solemnly and fearfully entered once a year to make atonement for the people’s sin, was opened to all believers, everywhere! The gap between the two halves of this massive curtain was huge, making room for all who give their hearts to Jesus to boldly approach God’s throne. But, in reality, how might some of us be entering into this sacred space? In what ways are we entering into the presence of God?

LOOKING BUT NOT ENTERING

Some of us might be thinking that only priests or other Christian “professionals” are invited to draw near to God. In Old Testament times, only the high priest could draw that near to God’s presence, and he could only enter once in his life after being ceremonially washed and sprinkled by the blood of a sacrificial lamb. But you and I, because Jesus was torn for us on the cross because his blood was shed for our sin, can fearlessly and boldly draw near to God as a Father who loves us with a perfect love. We aren’t slaves, forbidden to enter the inner rooms of our master’s house; we are beloved, taking-in-His-nature sons and daughters invited to come with our heavy burdens to be given rest. We can come anytime, for the veil is torn forever and cannot be hung up again. This is a powerful symbol of the fact that we can never be separated from God’s love ever again. Are you just looking and hoping for a connection with God, or are you boldly walking into your Abba’s throne room as a blood-bought, washed child of the King of Kings? Your Father is waiting, beloved child, to love you back to sanity. Won’t you come in?

ENTERING AS ADOPTED OR AS AN ORPHAN

Do you feel at home with God, or might you be feeling uncomfortable and hesitant? Beloved, when you give your life to Jesus, you belong in God’s presence! God calls you to not only enter into His Holy of Holies but to serve as a royal priest once you are there! We are to come to offer our praises and lift up our prayers. Spurgeon wrote, “Fellowship with the Most High is elevating, purifying, strengthening. Enter into it boldly. Enter into His revealed thoughts, even as He graciously enters into yours: rise to His plans, as He condescends to yours; ask to be uplifted to Him, even as He chooses to stoop to dwell with you.”  Your best prayers are not offered outside looking in or with a toe barely over the threshold. You are not an orphan! Your best prayers are offered in the holiest of all as God’s beloved child. You are standing on the sure ground of acceptance where your thoughts are read, your heart-needs are met, and you are equipped to serve. Are you praying as a royal priest or a barely-tolerated orphan?

COME OUT TO BLESS

The high priest, after being in the very presence of God, came out to bless the people. That is a part of our job description as well. We are to become channels of God’s blessing to others, with living waters flowing out of our Holy Spirit-charged hearts. When we enter into God’s presence boldly, we are also to come out to bless boldly.

    Jesus is the One who bridges the gap between God and us. The way through the curtain is ever fresh, new, and open. The blood of Jesus is still doing its atoning work, dealing with our sin and mess even now. His Word is still able to cleanse. His Spirit is alive in you now. So, come boldly! Come to your Abba, your Daddy-God, and, like a child, tell Him the truth, and trust Him to carry your burden. Let Him rest you and re-charge you, then come out to bless.

For Further Study:

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Hebrews 4:16, 19; 9:8 & 11-12;10:19-23

Ephesians 1:4-6

Revelation 3:8