We Now Have Access

Devotional Reading: At that moment the veil in the Holy of Holies was torn in two from the top to the bottom. The earth shook violently, rocks were violently split apart, Matthew 27:51 TPT

In this day and age, we are obsessed with VIP access. We long to be “waved on ahead,” exempt from barricades and rules meant for the regulars. We don’t want to jump through hoops and be held back in line. We want to be the exception.

In today’s reading in Matthew, we read about just that—how the tearing of the veil in the temple granted VIP access to God for all humans. According to the Law outlined in the Old Testament, God’s presence resided in the Holy of Holies in the temple. This sacred section was separated from the Holy Place by a special veil and housed the ark of the covenant.

Leviticus 16 outlines the steps for atonement, the Jewish process for getting right with God before Jesus came. Depending on how you count it, there were more than 35 steps the priest must go through to make atonement for his sins and the sins of the people. Those steps included specific clothing, certain animals, and lots of washing and bathing. All of that in order to go behind the veil. It took a lot of preparation in order to get right with God. Not just anyone could do it. In fact, there was a special day once a year set aside for it.

But Jesus’ sacrifice gained us unprecedented access to God the father. Out of all the strange happenings in the Easter week the tearing of the veil had to shake the religious crowd to the core. God was declaring “No more.” No more separation. No more sacrifices. No more ceremonial washing. My people are free to come to me whenever and however.

We hear that and in our minds, we rejoice. But I wonder if, in our hearts, we still feel like our past (or our present) is a barrier to knowing Christ. “If you only knew what I had done…if you only realized who I am…” (You said). But this is the word for you, be rest assured the veil was torn once and for all. God longs to welcome you into His arms and call you His own.

Prayer and Confession
Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice that allowed me access by faith to the Father, Glory to God! Amen.

Further Reading – Leviticus 16, Romans 5:1-2
Reading Old Testament Bible Stories: 2Samuel 5-8