Our lives are constantly confronted by things that limit and restrain us: “Do Not Touch”, “Do Not Enter”, “Authorized Personal Only”. You go to a museum only to have ropes keep you a “safe” distance from all the exhibits. You go to a concert and only those with VIP Backstage Passes hanging around their necks are allowed to get anywhere near the band.
Whether the purpose is to keep us out of danger, to protect something that’s valuable, or to give access only to important people, our lives are filled with yellow tape that we are not allowed to cross.
In the Temple at the time of Jesus, there was a room inside called the Holy of Holies. This was the place where God’s presence dwelt, and where no average person was allowed in. There was a veil, or curtain, made out of a thick tapestry that kept people out.
Only the High Priest, who was handpicked by God, was allowed to pass through the curtain into the presence of God, and that was only once a year on the Day of Atonement, and only after many thorough cleansing rituals. If anyone else but the High Priest tried to enter the Holy of Holies, they would die.
This curtain was like a huge “Do Not Enter” sign hanging in the temple. It was a great divider that hid God from man. But the very moment Jesus breathed his last breath on the cross, Matthew records that this curtain was torn in two from top to bottom. The tearing of the curtain displays how perfect the sacrifice of Jesus Christ was, and what it did for us.
No longer do we have a “Do Not Enter” sign keeping us back from God. Jesus ripped it down in His death, opening the door wide open for us to have free and complete access to God Himself. It is as if Jesus gave us His VIP pass, granting us His status so that we might experience the blessed relationship that He has with the Father.
Because of this we can approach God with confidence, giving thanks to Jesus for opening up the way that we might know and enjoy the Father, and experience His fellowship like we were never able to before. Remember this as you come to the Lord in prayer today. The curtain is torn, so you have complete access to bring your heart before the Lord.
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