In my chronological Bible reading plan, I got to peek behind the inner curtain of the Tabernacle! This was a very restricted place! Only Aaron could enter. He could enter only once a year, on a particular day, and in a certain way. One mistake, and he would die! Behind this inner curtain dwelt the very presence of God! This verse stood out as I peeked behind the veil.
And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat. (Leviticus 16:2, KJV)
Wow! Access to God was highly restricted! As I thought about the curtain between God and Israel, Jesus came to mind! During Jesus’ crucifixion, something amazing happened to that curtain.
Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; (Matthew 27:50–51, KJV)
What does this mean? It means that Jesus opened direct access to God through His death!
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; (Hebrews 10:19–20, KJV)
Remembering the reading this morning, Aaron could not enter the Most Holy Place whenever he wanted; he could only do so once a year. But now, because of Jesus, and only through Jesus, we can access God at any time! Instead of a peek behind the curtain, Jesus tore it away!
What does this mean? God, through His Son, brings us close to Himself! Believer, rejoice! As Hebrews 10:22 says, Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. We can go to God anytime!
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