As a writer, I love me some good symbolism. I love writing it and I love reading it. And I love that we worship a God who created it.
Because when Jesus died on the cross, the veil was torn.
We hear that a lot. It’s become this cliche thing. Yada, yada, yada, Jesus died on the cross. Yada, yada, yada, the veil was torn. Yeah, yeah, we’ve heard it before.
But the veil was torn, people. Torn. Which has to be, 100%, the coolest symbol in the history of all symbols.
Because that veil was an incredibly thick curtain that barred the entrance into the Holy of Holies – a very special room in the tabernacle where God’s presence dwelt. A room that only the high priest could enter. Once a year, after meticulous preparation, to shed blood for the atonement of sin.
Everyday people like you and me? They couldn’t set foot into the Holy of Holies. They could not be in the presence of a holy God and live (Exodus 33:20). Which is why God established the old covenant. We needed a priest to be our middle man. And God needed blood to make us clean.
Until Jesus came. God in the flesh. He took the weight of our sin upon His shoulders and died on the cross. He shed His own blood, once and for all. The ultimate sacrifice. Our ultimate priest.
And the veil was torn wide open.
A new covenant was established.
The covenant of Jesus Christ.
A covenant that rips apart the barrier.
A covenant that gives everyday people like you and me open access to a holy God.
Talk about some amazing, amazing symbolism.
Let’s Talk: What symbolism have you come across lately? Or tell me about the coolest symbolism you’ve ever read in a book. Peace Like a River is filled with awesome symbolism!