He Made the Way

51 Suddenly, the curtain of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom, the earth quaked, and the rocks were split. Matthew 27:51

Matthew doesn’t pause to explain. He simply tells us what happened. The heavy veil that for centuries had marked the boundary of God’s holy presence was torn open from the top downward.

I keep returning to that detail.

Even after walking with Jesus for years, the old stinkin’ thinkin’ still shows up. I can treat closeness with God as something that depends on how well I’m doing, as if the door opens more readily once my heart is in better order. The quiet lie lingers that I need to arrive already sorted.

But the curtain was not torn from the bottom up. I did not climb my way into the presence of God. He came down.

In the death of Jesus the barrier was removed by a hand not my own. The way is open because the Son gave Himself for those who could never make themselves ready. I come because He made the way.

The invitation remains. The veil stays parted. I only need to remember, again and again, that I am allowed to enter just as I am.

Lord, when the old thinking returns and I begin to tidy myself before coming to You, show me once more the torn curtain. Renew my mind. Thank You that in Your finished work I need not earn my place. I may simply come.