The Veil Was Torn
Growing up, my middle and high school youth group participated in an event called Bible Bowl, which was like the Super Bowl of Bible trivia. Our youth leaders would provide us with specific Bible verses and passages of Scripture that we needed to memorize and be ready to answer questions about. We would spend months studying, practicing questions, and reciting verses in preparation. I looked forward to this event every year and gained a deeper understanding of the Bible through it.
I still vividly remember one year when we studied a passage about the tabernacle, focusing on its significance, what was inside, and why it was important. The part that stood out to me the most, and has stayed with me since childhood, was the significance of the veil.
Make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim woven into it by a skilled worker. Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases. Hang the curtain from the clasps and place the ark of the covenant law behind the curtain. The curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place." - Exodus 26:31-33 (NIV)
Through this beautiful imagery, a glorious picture is painted in my mind. God gave such specific instructions on how the veil should look and be constructed, and I can’t help but think that He has a similarly beautiful plan for each of our lives. Just on the other side of the veil was the Most Holy Place, where the Lord our God dwelled. The Old Testament speaks to the sacredness of the veil and the strict regulations surrounding entry into the Most Holy Place, reinforcing the idea that the veil represented the barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity.
But then Jesus died, and THE VEIL WAS TORN!
"And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split. - Matthew 27:50-51 (NIV)
When the veil was torn, the barrier between God and humanity was removed. We no longer needed anyone to intercede on our behalf. In that moment, we gained direct access to the presence of God because of Jesus’ sacrifice. The veil, torn from top to bottom, could only have been torn by God Himself. This is something I want to shout for all to hear: We have direct access to God and can stand in His Almighty Presence because of Jesus' death and God's choice to tear the veil.
The opportunity to dwell in the presence of God is a gift I never want to take for granted. My mama always told me, "There is nothing so bad that you cannot return home." I have taken comfort in this my entire life. My prayer for you is that you know there is nothing so bad that you cannot turn to the comfort of your Heavenly Father. He sent His Son. He tore the veil. He desires for you to abide with Him.
JOURNAL: Jot down what keeps you from abiding in the presence of God. It might be the busyness of life, shame, unforgiveness, or perhaps doubt or a lack of faith. Bring these before the Lord, asking for forgiveness and resolution. Acknowledge that we often let these things distract us from the goodness of God. Now, release them and know that He is there, welcoming you with open arms.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for tearing the veil. You provided direct access to abide with You. Help us to not take this for granted. Help us to yearn to desire to be in Your presence at all times. I pray that we take the opportunity to share this with others, so that all may know what it is like to experience a deep relationship with You. Thank You for Your Word that gives us insight and wisdom, help us to apply it in our lives. In Your holy name, we pray, Amen.
I still vividly remember one year when we studied a passage about the tabernacle, focusing on its significance, what was inside, and why it was important. The part that stood out to me the most, and has stayed with me since childhood, was the significance of the veil.
Make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim woven into it by a skilled worker. Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases. Hang the curtain from the clasps and place the ark of the covenant law behind the curtain. The curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place." - Exodus 26:31-33 (NIV)
Through this beautiful imagery, a glorious picture is painted in my mind. God gave such specific instructions on how the veil should look and be constructed, and I can’t help but think that He has a similarly beautiful plan for each of our lives. Just on the other side of the veil was the Most Holy Place, where the Lord our God dwelled. The Old Testament speaks to the sacredness of the veil and the strict regulations surrounding entry into the Most Holy Place, reinforcing the idea that the veil represented the barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity.
But then Jesus died, and THE VEIL WAS TORN!
"And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split. - Matthew 27:50-51 (NIV)
When the veil was torn, the barrier between God and humanity was removed. We no longer needed anyone to intercede on our behalf. In that moment, we gained direct access to the presence of God because of Jesus’ sacrifice. The veil, torn from top to bottom, could only have been torn by God Himself. This is something I want to shout for all to hear: We have direct access to God and can stand in His Almighty Presence because of Jesus' death and God's choice to tear the veil.
The opportunity to dwell in the presence of God is a gift I never want to take for granted. My mama always told me, "There is nothing so bad that you cannot return home." I have taken comfort in this my entire life. My prayer for you is that you know there is nothing so bad that you cannot turn to the comfort of your Heavenly Father. He sent His Son. He tore the veil. He desires for you to abide with Him.
JOURNAL: Jot down what keeps you from abiding in the presence of God. It might be the busyness of life, shame, unforgiveness, or perhaps doubt or a lack of faith. Bring these before the Lord, asking for forgiveness and resolution. Acknowledge that we often let these things distract us from the goodness of God. Now, release them and know that He is there, welcoming you with open arms.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for tearing the veil. You provided direct access to abide with You. Help us to not take this for granted. Help us to yearn to desire to be in Your presence at all times. I pray that we take the opportunity to share this with others, so that all may know what it is like to experience a deep relationship with You. Thank You for Your Word that gives us insight and wisdom, help us to apply it in our lives. In Your holy name, we pray, Amen.
We'd love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments what God is speaking to you as you read these devotionals. If you haven't already subscribed to receive our devotional emails right to your inbox, hit the subscribe button below and invite your family and friends to subscribe as well! Thank you for being a part of our Opendoor Devotional Community. We appreciate you!
No Comments