We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. (NIV)

Has anyone ever been talking to you adamantly, and I mean adamantly, about a sport that you know nothing about (*cough* pickleball *cough*)? Usually, I smile and nod as they rattle off stats, plays, and athletes who may as well be the names of constellations in another galaxy.  

‍

I have no context. The passage above can feel that way. To us, the significance of “entering behind the curtain” is a little lost, so let’s back up a bit.  

‍

The Levitical law required many sacrifices and ceremonies. These sacrifices were very specific about what was to be offered, by whom, where and at what time. We won’t dive deep into the history here, but every year the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place in the temple to offer a sacrifice for the sins of the people. The Most Holy Place was separated by a curtain from the rest of the temple. The curtain was a symbol of separation between a holy God and a sinful people. The sacrifice, though God required it, did not ever fully remove their sin because they had to make the same offering every year.

So why does that matter to us? First, let’s remove the specifics of sacrifices required by the law. Instead, think about the things in your life that you feel justify you before God, the things that you believe earn you a place in God’s presence. For the Jews, their sacrifices and adherence to the law was theirs. Do you have your list? I know I have mine.  

‍

Now, this passage is highly relevant because it demonstrates a tangible example of how the barrier between us and God has been removed by the death and resurrection of Christ. By his blood we are justified, not just once in an annual ceremony, but for all time as we remain in him. It’s this hope that is “firm and secure.”  

‍

Now for the important question, “What does this tell us about the nature of God?”  

‍

First, God is perfect and demands perfection that we cannot achieve on our own. My list from above will not impress God any more than the diligent observance of the Jews who followed God’s law. We have no claim on God. The curtain served as a warning and protection against unauthorized people (i.e., everyone except the high priest) from entering for their own safety and out of reverence for God. Prior to Christ’s resurrection, that was off-limits for us, separated by a curtain approximately 3 ½ inches thick.  

‍

Second, God desires closeness with us. When Jesus died on the cross, the curtain was ripped in half, symbolizing the barrier between us and God being removed. Instead of demanding sacrifices from a depraved people, he offered himself as a sacrifice to cleanse us to be able to enter the Most Holy Place with him.  

‍

Third, this shows that God cares more about the heart of his people than performing ceremonial rites. Instead of our offerings, God wants to hear us say, “Here I am, I have come to do your will,” as the author of Hebrews quoted from Psalms (Heb. 10:9). Jesus led by example in his willingness to die on the cross. He did all the work to remove the barrier. Instead of requiring everyone to become a priest, God invites everyone with a humble, grateful heart to step across the threshold into the presence of God.

Lord, I pray that, in this season, we remember the sacrifice you made to bridge the gap between us and yourself. I pray that we would accept this gift of grace, instead of trying to earn our salvation. In your name, Jesus, amen.