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I wonder if it’s because I fancy myself a writer that I am more drawn to the written word of God than any other sacrament? I also find my peace in silence and solitude, giving, and community. But Scripture has always somehow been God’s primary way of speaking to my heart. I “see” it somehow, in my heart of hearts, and it writes itself on me there.
As a result, I have a lot of favourite passages of Scripture as my well-worn and underlined Bible (as befits any girl brought up “word of faith”!) will attest. I spend most of my time in the Psalms but really, the entire canon ministers to me in every facet, challenges me, encourages me, inspires me, changes me and transforms me more and more into a disciple.
But with this week being Holy Week, I’ve got to share one of my very favourite parts of the Bible as it’s moment in the church calendar is coming up.
But Jesus, again crying out loudly, breathed his last. At that moment, the Temple curtain was ripped in two, top to bottom. There was an earthquake, and rocks were split in pieces. Matthew 27:50-51
I absolutely get shivers when I read this. It’s just after Jesus has died on the cross. It’s Friday night. It looks like everything is over. He’s begged God not to forsake him and has died, alone and judged.
And at that moment, in the Holy of Holies in the temple, the veil that separates the Presence of God from Man is torn completely in two. There is no longer a barrier between us and God. We are now swept up in the Presence of God, no restraints, no barriers. He’s gone beyond the barriers to a waiting world.
See what I mean? See why this matters to me?
There’s nothing between me and God anymore. I can – as a Gentile and a woman even! – freely approach the throne of Grace and find Mercy for my sins and Rest for my weary soul, Salvation for all of me. The death of Jesus removed at that instant the veil between the Holy God and the world.
Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help. Hebrews 4:15-16
He’s so faithful.
