Draw Near...

 Today's Readings: OT - 1 Samuel 17:30-58 / NT - Matthew 27:45-66

"And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom." - Matthew 27:51

Everywhere we turn, we find fences and walls. Some are built to provide simple privacy for quiet family and social occasions. Others are built to protect properties from vandalism and theft. But, no matter the reason, such obstructions are meant to keep people out at all cost. Only those with permission are allowed entrance.

Of all the events that surrounded our Lord's crucifixion, the torn curtain may hold the most significant message. Throughout the ages sinful man has been refused entrance into God's Holy presence. Adam and Eve were expelled from the garden and a sinful world has been shut out ever since. Throughout the ages, the only means of entrance was found in an annual atoning blood sacrifice. But, on this day, the curtain was torn by God, from top to bottom, and  through the shed blood of Jesus, permission was given to enter.

Our God is Holy, Holy. Holy and we are sinful in more ways than we can count. The wall is rightly placed between sinful people and a Holy God. But the words of Hebrews 10:19-22 point us to the torn curtain... "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." Child of faith... you now have permission to enter, so draw near my friend, draw near.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - 1 Samuel 18:1-16  /  NT - Matthew 28