Matthew 27
Upon Jesus' death on the cross, the "curtain of the temple was torn from top to bottom". This was significant because as John Piper writes: "When Jesus died—when his flesh was torn—God tore (from top to bottom) the curtain separating ordinary people from himself. The death of Jesus opened the way for the world into intimate, holy, personal, forgiven, joyful fellowship with God. No human mediator is needed any longer. Jesus split open the way for direct access to God."
While we celebrate the meaning of Christmas we cannot help but also appreciate the birth of Christ apart from His crucifixion for that is WHY He came - to save us and give us direct access to God - for all of us ordinary people.
The greatest gift of all time!
My Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are an awesome God who came for me - an ordinary and sinful person...and You suffered and died for me - thank You Jesus. I am not worth such an act of pain and suffering...and grace. I am lustful, I worry, I am selfish, etc. among my many sin. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. v51
Upon Jesus' death on the cross, the "curtain of the temple was torn from top to bottom". This was significant because as John Piper writes: "When Jesus died—when his flesh was torn—God tore (from top to bottom) the curtain separating ordinary people from himself. The death of Jesus opened the way for the world into intimate, holy, personal, forgiven, joyful fellowship with God. No human mediator is needed any longer. Jesus split open the way for direct access to God."
While we celebrate the meaning of Christmas we cannot help but also appreciate the birth of Christ apart from His crucifixion for that is WHY He came - to save us and give us direct access to God - for all of us ordinary people.
The greatest gift of all time!
My Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are an awesome God who came for me - an ordinary and sinful person...and You suffered and died for me - thank You Jesus. I am not worth such an act of pain and suffering...and grace. I am lustful, I worry, I am selfish, etc. among my many sin. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
