Behind the curtain.
Hebrews 6:19 assures us that we have a living hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain. This hope it says, is a sure and steadfast anchor for our souls. The curtain refers to the divide that separated the Holy place from the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle and later Temples. It veiled the place where God’s presence dwelled. Only the High Priest could enter there once a year, and only by the blood of the sacrifice of atonement.
And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Luke 23:42 ESV
This is the curtain or veil that was torn the instant Jesus died. It’s tearing was a symbolic removal of the separation between man and God, a demonstration of the way Jesus had gone through the veil and secured our passage to follow Him. The image of the anchor is not just one of steady security through stormy times, but something that secures us into the very presence of God.
The words of a condemned criminal (Luke 23:42) who was crucified next to Jesus, poignantly identifies the soul that is ready to follow our Lord Jesus. The words personify the humble faith, the solid hope, that we can all have in Christ our Lord. Wherever He goes, whatever He does, as long as He remembers us, we will be safe, secure and blessed into the eternal presence of God.
Prayer.
Thank You Father God, that You have made a way to remove the separation of sin, and restore us into Your very presence. Thank You for the life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ who has made this possible. We praise You for Your grace and mercy, in drawing us in where we could never go. For showing us the way, and giving us the solid hope that You will give us the strength to follow, in Jesus Name. Amen.
Worship.
Lord Jesus may Your Spirit come
And make this a holy place
For we have longed to gaze
Upon the glory of Your face.
Then every selfish will exposed,
And every vain desire
Are humbled and then purified,
By Your holy, holy fire.
O Lamb of God, the glory of Your name
Perfect in holiness, and purest love
And in that love, we'll walk beyond the veil
Again to understand, what You have done.
Service.
Peter tells us “but in your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). Our hope should be evident, so evident that people ask us why we have it. In difficult times, it’s even more important for us to constantly live in hope, testify to that hope, and gently and lovingly share why we have it. We should ask God to help us do that today.