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 only enter once a year, on a particular day, and in a certain way. One mistake and he would die! Behind this inner curtain dwelled the very presence of God! This verse stood out as I got a peek behind the veil.
The Lord said to Moses, “Warn your brother, Aaron, not to enter the Most Holy Place behind the inner curtain whenever he chooses; if he does, he will die. For the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement—is there, and I myself am present in the cloud above the atonement cover. (Leviticus 16:2, NLT)
Wow! Access to God was very restrictive! As I thought about this curtain between God and Israel, Jesus came to mind! During Jesus’ crucifixion, something amazing happened to this curtain.
Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom… (Matthew 27:50–51, NLT)
What does this mean? It means Jesus opened up direct access to God through His death!
And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. (Hebrews 10:19–20, NLT)
Remembering the reading this morning, Aaron could not enter the Most Holy Place whenever he wanted to; it was only 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 took away the curtain!
What does this mean? God, through His Son, brings us close to Himself! Believer, rejoice! As Hebrews 10:22 says, “…Let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him.” We can go to God anytime!
Today’s reading: Leviticus 16-18 | Tomorrow’s reading: Leviticus 19-21
How wonderful it is that Jesus made a way for us to have constant access to God the Father. Once a year would not do! Oh how he loves us♥️
I love how you compare the Old Testament to the New Testament. It was so interesting. I specifically liked how you mentioned Jesus on the cross and the curtain being torn, and now we have access to God 24/7 because of Jesus.