The Way that the Cross Opened

THE Way THAT THE CROSS Opened CURTAINED OFF

TODAY’S READING: HEBREWS 10:19–25

As my flight reached cruising speed, the flight attendant pulled back the curtain that cordoned off first class, and I was given a startling reminder of the stark differences between areas on aeroplanes. Some travellers get to board first, enjoying premium seating with extra legroom and personalised service. The curtain was a humbling reminder of my separation from those perks.

Exclusionary distinctions between groups of people can be found throughout history, including, in a way, even God’s temple in Jerusalem, though not due to one’s ability to pay more. Non-Jewish people were only allowed to worship in the outer court. Next came the women’s court, and even closer, an area designated for men. Finally, the holy of holies, seen as the place where God uniquely revealed Himself, was concealed behind a curtain and only accessible to one consecrated priest each

WE HAVE CONFIDENCE TO ENTER THE MOST HOLY PLACE BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS.

HEBREWS 10:19

year (HEBREWS 9:1–10).

But, wonderfully, this separation no longer exists. Jesus has completely eliminated any barriers that might hinder anyone seeking access to God— even our sin (10:17). Just as the temple curtain was torn in two at the moment of Christ’s death (MATTHEW 27:50–51), His crucified body has torn away all obstructions to God’s presence. There’s no barrier that need separate any believer from experiencing the glory and love of the living God. o LISA M. SAMRA

How does the truth that Christ’s death provides access to God give you confidence when you worship and pray? What else does His death provide believers?

Jesus, thank You for being willing to die to open up full access to God to all who long for it.

A GLOSSARY FOR GRIEF

TODAY’S READING: LUKE 23:44–46

When Hugh and Diane released their only child to heaven, they struggled with what to call themselves in the aftermath. There is no specific word in the English language to describe a parent who has lost a child. A wife without her husband is a widow. A husband without his wife is a widower. A child bereft of parents is an orphan. A parent whose child has died is an undefined hollow of hurt.

Miscarriage. Sudden infant death. Suicide. Illness. Accident. Death steals a child from this world and then robs the surviving parents of an expressed identity.

Yet God Himself understands such devastating grief as His only Son, Jesus, called to Him while dying on the cross, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (LUKE 23:46). God was Father before Jesus’ earthly birth and remained Father when Jesus released His final breath. God continued as Father when the still body of His Son was laid in a tomb. God lives on today as Father of a risen Son who brings every parent the hope that a child can live again.

What do you call a heavenly Father who sacrifices His Son for the universe? For you and for me? Father. Still, Father. When there are no words in the glossary of grief to describe the pain of loss, God is our Father and calls us His children

JESUS CALLED OUT WITH A LOUD VOICE, “FATHER, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT.”

LUKE 23:46

(1 JOHN 3:1). o ELISA MORGAN

What does it mean to be a child of God? How does this comfort you?

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for being my Father and claiming me as Your child.