Today’s scripture: Mark 15:37-39 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Tommy Chittenden):
It all comes down to this moment.
Have you ever wondered if legions of angels filled the heavens, desperately wanting to intervene in the escalating drama of Golgotha — some intensely aware of every history making moment, some covering their eyes so as to not gaze upon the Son of God anguishing in such pain? I have pictured these hours like this many times. Add to Heaven’s grandstand all of the great leaders who gave prophecy about this day — Moses, Abraham, Elijah and David. Everyone is standing in reverent silence. Waiting.
I dare say there has never been anything like this day in all of history. Just when it looked as if the curtain was about to come down signifying the “end of the story”, the curtain, instead, was torn apart, from the top to the bottom.
This cry in the darkness of the cross, the release of the spirit of Jesus, and the rending of the veil (curtain) in the temple — Mark brings them all together in order that we might understand what these events mean. As Jesus’ cry rang out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”, many in the crowd recognized these words as the opening of Psalm 22. I’m not sure there is an adequate explanation for the question that Jesus asked except that which Scripture itself provides, “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (II Corinthians 5:21).
Then there comes the loud cry of release and the rending of the veil. Such an amazing dramatic way for God to say for all time and for all people that the way home, the way into His heart is now freely accessible. No revenge planned! All those who gathered at the cross on that day and since are welcome to come into His presence. The way is wide open and He is waiting to restore the hopeless, the helpless, and the fearful. This curtain (veil) said to be 60 feet tall, 30 feet wide and as thick as the palm of a man’s hand, symbolically reminded the Israelites that their access to God depended on another human being (priests in general and the high priest specifically). The very moment Jesus breathed His last breath everything changed.
Before Calvary (Old Covenant) God made a temple for God’s people. After Calvary (New Covenant) God began making a people for God’s temple. “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” (I Corinthians 6:19)
My brothers and sisters, through Jesus, we can now come into the very presence of the Creator of the Universe. “Therefore, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, His body, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith.” (Hebrews 10: 19-22)
Thought for the day: “Almighty God, with all of the angels, and all those in Heaven’s grandstand on that day of unconditional love, we join in to say Holy, Holy, Holy! There can be no greater wonder than the realization that I am loved with such an amazing love!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.
Dear Be Still readers,
In the very near future, Found Pearl Press (Jesus MCC’s publishing ministry) will be publishing our first volume of devotionals as a printed book. The book will be entitled, Quench! refreshing devotionals by gay, trans, and affirming Christians.
We’re looking for a few testimonials from users of Be Still and Know to use for the back cover. Would you be willing to let us know what Be Still and Know means to you? If we use your testimonial, we’ll send you a free copy of Quench! as a token of our thanks.
Please email your testimonial to bestill@jesusmcc.org, along with your name and the best way to contact you. Submission of a testimonial constitutes permission for Found Pearl Press to use the testimonial at its discretion.
All we need is two or three sentences — but we need these ASAP! Could you email a few lines right now?