Compare Exodus 40:3 and Matthew 27:51 (also Mark 15:38 and Luke 23:45). As we look forward to this Easter Sunday, it would be good to take some time to seriously and intentionally reflect on the import of Christ’s work for us.
From the time God began to reveal Himself to His chosen people, Israel; from the time He began to tabernacle among them in the detailed design He commanded, directed, and equipped them to build; there was a separation between God and His people. There was a veil between Him and His people. At first only Moses came to Him on their behalf. Then a priest, but only once a year.
The access to Him was veiled, barred, close, but distant. The people where shielded from the overwhelming majesty of His presence.
Christ’s death, which we remember this Friday, changed that, immediately, permanently. The veil, the obstruction, the distance was torn in two, removed. The presence of God, man’s relationship with Him was radically changed.
Whereas before, only the High Priest had access, once a year. Now the way, John 14:6, was clear, wide open, available for anyone to enter. No longer was a sacrifice necessary. The ultimate sacrifice, the perfect sacrifice was made to clear the way.
We only have to choose to walk through the torn veil.
The access to Him was veiled, barred, close, but distant. The people where shielded from the overwhelming majesty of His presence.
Christ’s death, which we remember this Friday, changed that, immediately, permanently. The veil, the obstruction, the distance was torn in two, removed. The presence of God, man’s relationship with Him was radically changed.
Whereas before, only the High Priest had access, once a year. Now the way, John 14:6, was clear, wide open, available for anyone to enter. No longer was a sacrifice necessary. The ultimate sacrifice, the perfect sacrifice was made to clear the way.
We only have to choose to walk through the torn veil.
My recollection is, although I can't think of a specific passage, that when the high priest would go into the presence of God there was a rope tied to one ankle so that if he made some mistake or was not ritually pure and God struck him dead his body could be pulled out without endangering others.
ReplyDeleteWe can see from this that on the cross Christ was struck with death for all of us who trust Him so we can freely, at any moment, come into God's presence in prayer. And I treat this awesome privilege so casually much of the time....