Matthew 27:51 - At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split.
In the temple, the veil separated two rooms, the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies, the earthy dwelling place of God’s presence.
The priest would only be allowed past the veil into the Holy of Holies once a year to make atonement for people’s sins.
The book of Exodus teaches that this thick veil was fashioned from blue, purple, and scarlet material and fine twisted linen. Some scholars estimate that the veil was 60 feet high and about four inches thick.
When Jesus cried out from the cross, the thick veil was torn into two, from the top to the bottom.
So why did the veil tear into two?
When Jesus died on the cross, it meant that the priest no longer had to make a sacrifice for the atonement of our sins. Jesus had become the ultimate sacrifice. His flesh and the veil were torn so that we could be in communion with God.
We are no longer separated from the presence of God. God moved out of the man-made temple to live in us by the power of the Holy Spirit. We have become the temples for the indwelling of God.
Hebrews 9:19-23 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
If there are no barriers to God’s presence, let’s spend a moment with him now.
Take a few long breaths.
Be still and know that he is God (Psalm 46:10)
Let His presence fill you again …
Be filled with His peace
Be filled with His joy
Be filled with His hope
Be filled with His strength
Be filled with His forgiveness
Be filled with His love
He is here. The King is in our midst.
Date - 6.4.23 | Author - Louise Davies | Series - Easter
