“And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.” – Matthew 27:51
When Jesus died on the cross, the effects were quite dramatic. A powerful earthquake shook the ground and rocks split open, visible evidence of God’s power at work. More significant, the massive curtain inside the temple in Jerusalem split from top to bottom. This wasn’t a random side effect – this was profoundly meaningful. This heavy woven curtain separated the holy place from the most holy place (or holy of holies) within the temple. The curtain existed to protect people, particularly the priests, from God’s presence. Simply put, God is so holy that His presence was dangerous to human beings, even the dedicated priests who served the Lord.
However, when Jesus Christ, the Son of God died, that changed. Jesus died to reconcile mankind, in our sinful rebellion, with our holy God. Jesus died so that we would no longer need to be protected from God’s presence. Jesus died and rose from the dead so that everyone who trusts in Him for salvation actually becomes a temple themself. Those who are in Christ have been made holy. We have been given Christ’s righteousness. And we become a temple of God’s Holy Spirit Who seals us and lives in us.
There is no more separation from God for those who are in Christ! We are united with God the Son and indwelt by God the Spirit. We don’t need to be protected from God’s presence and we don’t need to avoid it. Indeed, we are welcomed into it as adopted children of God the Father. The curtain became obsolete when Jesus died. The temple in Jerusalem became obsolete when Jesus died as the once-for-all-sacrifice for our sins. Now, we don’t need to fear God’s presence. We don’t need to keep God at a safe distance.
And yet, we often continue to live like we do. Christians often try to keep their distance from God rather than abiding in, delighting in, and living in the new reality that WE are each, individually and collectively the temple of God. We quench the Spirit and chase every fleshly thing to avoid genuinely walking in step with the Holy Spirit and in the Spirit’s power. We fear the power of the Holy Spirit living in us. If this describes you, just stop! Stop trying to escape God’s presence. Stop trying to keep God at a safe distance. Stop trying to re-hang the curtain!
Lean into your relationship with Jesus. Abide in Him. Spend more time in prayer and meditation on Scripture. Delight in God. Rely on God. Don’t try to hide from God. #FollowJesus