Thursday, April 28

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

 

JOSHUA 8:18–9:21

LUKE 23:44–24:12

PSALM 99:1–9

PROVERBS 14:9,10

 

“It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’  When he had said this, he breathed his last.” (Luke 23:44–46)

 

 

This tearing of the Temple’s curtain must have taken Jerusalem’s religious leaders by surprise.  Previously, as Hebrew 9:1–9 discusses, this curtain or veil separated the Holy of Holies – the earthly dwelling place of God’s presence – from the ordinary “human” part of the temple.  This curtain highlighted man’s separation from God’s holy presence, owing to his sin.  Only the high priest – and only once a year – could pass into God’s presence through this curtain in order to present an atoning sacrifice for Israel’s sin.  As Hebrews notes, however, this high priest needed to offer sacrifices for his own sin as well as that of the people.

 

According to historical records, Herod’s temple stood about 60 feet high.  Tradition holds that the curtain likely stood approximately four inches thick; Exodus explains that the veil came together from blue, purple, and scarlet material, twisted together with fine linen.  Just the effect of this curtain splitting must have made quite an impression!

 

Figuratively, this curtain-splitting also underscored God’s turn toward welcoming humankind into His presence by the blood of Christ.  While the high priest had previously offered perishable sacrifices with temporary effect, the blood of Christ would remain imperishable.  By virtue of His blameless life, this sacrifice would fulfill the righteous requirements of a holy God.

 

The Way, the Truth, and the Life had indeed opened a clear way for all people, both Jews and Gentiles, to approach the Father.  Hebrews indicates that we may now “have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened through the curtain, that is, his body…  ”  (Hebrews 10:19,20)  We may approach the throne of grace with confidence, solely based on the faithful obedience and humble sacrifice of our great God and King, the Lord Jesus Christ! (Hebrews 4:14–16)

 

How will you approach God today?  How may you give thanks for this freedom to approach Him with confidence?

 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your unselfish sacrifice of Yourself so that we might have the opportunity to approach the throne of grace.  Thank You for giving us the ability to know You and to receive eternal life.  Help us to rejoice in being part of Your Kingdom and to joyfully invite others to approach You as well.  Pour out Your Spirit so that we may recognize the great blessings of being Your sons and daughters.  Create in us a new heart, and renew within us a right spirit.  In Your Name, we pray.  Amen.

 

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