Derek Smith, Lead Pastor LHBC
Hebrews 6:19-20
We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
One of my favorite movies growing up was the Wizard of Oz. I still remember when it would come on television and I would stay up late just to see it in prime time.
I’m sure you recall the plotline: Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Lion return to Oz with the broomstick of the Wicked Witch of the West. They bring it to the Wizard of Oz. He had previously promised that in return for the broomstick he would grant them a ride home for Dorothy, a brain for the scarecrow, a heart for the Tin Man, and courage for the Lion. But when they arrive the Wizard tries to stall. He tells them to return the following day. While they plead with the Wizard not to send them away, Dorothy’s dog Toto notices some activity behind the big curtain. Toto pulls back the curtain to reveal that the Wizard is not who Dorothy and the other thought he was. The Wizard cries out in vain, “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!” He has been discovered and they see him for who he really is. Now, from this we have the statement “I’ve seen behind the curtain”, which signifies I’ve seen through the facade to what something really is.
Beloved, there was another curtain. The curtain in the Jewish Temple. One which mankind came up to completely destitute and in sin, but on the other side of this curtain was not some impostor. On the other side of this curtain we see the Lord Jesus as our Heavenly High Priest who spilled His precious blood on the mercy seat for the atonement of our sins.
Scripture tells us in the Jewish Temple there was a veil that separated the inner court from the most holy place. In this holy place rested the Ark of the Covenant and atop that covenant the Mercy Seat of God. Every year the great High Priest would walk into that Holy of Holies with the blood of a spotless Lamb, and He would pour that blood on the Mercy Seat for the satisfaction of the wrath of God toward God’s people. Now, the bible tells us that Jesus entered God’s most Holy Place, a place not made with hands, and shed His own blood for us.The veil that separated the inner court from the holy place was torn in two from top to bottom and the Presence of God is now available to anyone who will repent of sin and trust in Jesus. Beloved, I’ve seen behind the curtain and there is Jesus pouring out His blood for you and me! What love! What grace! What holiness! What majesty!
Child of God…live behind the curtain. Before the curtain there is brokenness; on the other side of the curtain there is forgiveness. This side of the curtain there is wrath; on the other side there is grace. Outside the curtain there is man’s religion; inside the veil there is a relationship with the God of this Universe. This side of the curtain there is no hope, but on the other side of the curtain there is everlasting living hope through the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ! Let’s stay behind the curtain in God’s Presence, resting in His loving atonement, and seeking His heart in worship and prayer!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, thank You for the sacrifice of Your own Son on the cross. Apart from His shed blood I am hopelessly condemned, but through His atoning sacrifice I am made right with You and rest in Your love. Thank you for dying for me so that I might live in relationship with You, Jesus. It’s in Your name I pray all these things, amen.
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Hebrews 6:19
We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain.