...the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom...
Matthew 27:51
Have you ever tried to tear a piece of your clothing? Or a cloth that hasn't been started? Clothes are not easy to tear. Yet the Jewish tradition to symbolize grief over the loss of a loved one is to make a small tear in the clothing and make the tear visible during mourning.
Lately, I've been struggling with some things. How about you? Do you feel like tearing your clothes, too? How about punching the air? Or letting out a wailing scream? I tried the last one; nothing would come. The sound caught in my throat as tears streamed down my face. I guess I'm feeling a little vulnerable too, but feelings of anguish can be paralyzing. Sometimes, these emotions get buried, and they are not easy to see.
God sees. I can't hide my feelings from God. More importantly, God feels my pain. How much pain must God have felt to tear the veil of the temple when Jesus died? The torn veil reveals the prophecy of the messiah has come to pass. Today, I was reminded that this sacrifice was and is a gift from God. John 1:17 says, "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ" (KJV). Understanding that we got commandments about how to live from Moses shows us the rules God wants his followers to abide by; yet, Jesus gives us the example to live by showing use what it means to give and to receive the gifts God has given us.
Wherever you are in your faith walk today, whatever your struggle, I hope you will take a moment to reflect on how God's grace is a gift--a gift of salvation (Ephesians 2:8), a gift that satisfies all of our needs (2 Corinthians 12:9), a gift of freedom (Romans 6:14). Today, I learned that I need to do a little more to strengthen my faith walk. I need to trust God more and rely less on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). I need to show amazing grace; I need to accept His grace.
As I pray through my own struggles, I keep thinking of the torn veil and how God ripped the curtain so swiftly after Jesus drew his last breath on the cross...and how death could not hold Jesus. What pain! What anguish! Yet, Jesus rose again to save us from sin, to show us God's amazing grace.
Here is an excerpt from one of my favorite praise songs talking about the torn veil:
… Death could not hold You, the veil tore before You You silenced the boast of sin and grave The Heavens are roaring, the praise of Your glory For You are raised to life again … You have no rival, You have no equal Now and forever, God, You reign Yours is the Kingdom, Yours is the Glory Yours is the Name above all names … What a powerful Name it is, what a powerful Name it is The Name of Jesus Christ, my King
Take comfort knowing God is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever! (And shout this praise tune!)
Best,
Michelle
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