"For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity" -Ephesians 2:14-16
"The veil of the temple was a constant reminder that sin renders humanity unfit for the presence of God" - Elmer TownsIt is easy at times to read the Word of God and to miss out on some significant truths because of familiarity with the text. I've been reading the story of Christ's crucifixion for years and never considered in depth the MIRACLE of the tearing of the veil. In Matthew 27:51, Mark 15:38 and Luke 23:45 it is recorded that at the moment Jesus "yielded up his spirit" in death - the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
The temple veil - the curtain in the temple of God which separated the Holy Place [accessible to ministering priests] and the HOLY OF HOLIES [accessible only once a year to the High Priest making atonement on behalf of the people]. An elaborately woven fabric of 72 twisted plaits of 24 threads, the veil was 60 ft high and 30 feet wide. The size and thickness of the veil make the events occurring at the moment of Jesus' death so much more momentous. Was its rending the result of an earthquake, as some purport? Simply illogical! It marked the beginning of a new era - it marked the opening of a new way of thinking about and relating to God. Here are a few things to consider about this miracle:
1. God resides no longer in buildings made by human hands (cf. Acts 17:24) - the torn veil alludes to a God who cannot be limited in his presence and power. Consider that even as you read this e-mail, God is THERE with you. Does this reality make a difference in how you think about yourself and the people around you today?
2. There is no separation between God and man anymore - whether Jew or Gentile, black or white, male or female....we ALL have access to the presence of God "by a new and living way which he (Jesus) opened for us through the veil, that is to say his flesh" (Hebrews 10:20). The tearing of the veil and the death of Jesus correspond because it is Jesus' sacrifice that has opened the way for man to commune directly with God - no priest, no pastor, no person can commune with God on your behalf...through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, you are now invited to come boldly (cf. Hebrews 4:16).
3. There is no basis for division between the people of God - the torn veil represents the end of separation between Jew and Gentile: people who could not find common ground for fellowship. The entire book of Acts is the record of God tearing down the walls of division and creating "in Himself, one new man from two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity"(Eph. 2:16). Do you find it difficult to forgive or love your brother/sister in Christ? Consider that in Jesus Christ, you no longer have any basis to lack genuine love.
I encourage us to take to heart the MIRACLE OF THE TORN VEIL and to EXALT JESUS CHRIST for the access He has provided for us into the presence of Almighty God. Amen.
Pastor Andrew Smith
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