[The Sun Series] Encouragement In Dark PlacesSample

The Veil 

The verses we have been focusing on in these days cover a series of miracles that took place while Jesus was being crucified. One of these miracles was the temple veil being torn apart. In the Old Testament, before Solomon built the temple, people worshipped God in the tabernacle. This was a tent divided into three sections: the outer court, the holy place, and the most holy place. Between the holy, and the most holy place, there was a veil. Nobody had access to the most holy place­–where the presence of God was–except for the high priest who could enter only once a year (representing the Israelites before God), after fulfilling a long number of ceremonial procedures. 

The veil was a symbol of the separation that existed between God (the Holy One) and humankind. We did not have access to God’s presence because of our sin. There was nothing we could do to gain God’s favor and enter His presence. The most striking fact regarding the tearing of the veil is that first, God wanted to make sure that this event was recorded so that everybody could rejoice and celebrate the fact that the separation between Him and us was, and is, over. Secondly, this demonstrated that only God could restore our relationship–the veil was torn in two, from top to bottom. Jesus was the only One who could fulfill all the requirements of the Law, which were the “shadow” of the things to come (Hebrews 10:1). 

Humankind could not reach God. It was God’s initiative to restore our relationship with Him. At the cross God pierced into our darkness, and the Light of the world established a new covenant. Greater intimacy with God was then, and now, open wide. Moreover, Jesus now lives in us; our bodies are the temple of God. So when difficult times come your way, remember that nothing can separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. You will make it through. Trust in Jesus and allow Him to teach you what you need to learn from it. Do not waste the trial, draw closer to the light of Jesus where everything is exposed. He will show you the way through the storm by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Thought of the Day

Greater intimacy is found and available in the midst of trials. Pull closer to Him! He understands what you are going through and is willing to help you.