August 26, 2024

Matthew 27.51 (NIV)
At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split.

The good news is God has chosen to come near his people.*

The Bible doesn’t tell us what the significance of this event was. As with other events involving the spiritual world, there is an element of mystery involved. My belief is that it signified that Jesus’ death had removed the barriers that blocked our access to God.

One thing is clear: it was performed by a supernatural power. There was no special effects team to pull off such a spectacular stunt. As if the event itself wasn’t dramatic enough, look at the timing. It happened just as Jesus “gave up his spirit.” It was as if God was tearing his clothes in grief; pulling at his hair and gnashing his teeth in agony.

Hebrews 10.19, 20 and 22, tells us, “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain . . . let us draw near to God.” Before this moment, mankind was barred from the presence of God by sin. From this moment on, we confidently walk through the doorway into the Most Holy Place.

It is no small thing to be able to approach the throne of the most powerful being in the universe and know that we are welcome there.

God intervened in space and time to make the world his again.