The power of a curtain.

I watched the movie Passion of the Christ today. I have seen it before, but for some reason today the message had a MAJOR impact on me.  I went back and re-read the story of Jesus’ crucifixion in the Bible for my devotions.   

 I grew up in a Christian home so naturally I have heard the story of how Jesus died for me. I have heard, memorized, I’ve even told it to people, but I don’t think I ever READ it. I also never realized and truly understood that not only was this for the whole world, but for ME personally as well.      

I started reading in Matthew 27. Reading the story so soon after watching the movie really helped me to picture what had happened. As I was reading I came upon the Matthew 27:50-51 and it reads, “ And when Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, He gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was TORN IN TWO FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. The Earth shook and the rocks split.” I don’t think I have ever realized the true power of that verse. The curtain that had the altar for the sacrifices behind it was torn into at the EXACT moment that Jesus died.  It was no longer needed because Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice.     

 I read the verse over three times in awe of a detail that I have missed. That curtain held so much importance, such significance for what went on behind it, and it was just torn in two. And it wasn’t just a tiny tear. It was top to bottom. It was completely useless and destroyed.    

 This curtain not only signified the loss of the need of sacrifices, but it also opened a whole new window for Christians. We are able to pray. We can speak to God on a more personal level because Jesus died for our sins. We can talk to a holy God, because of what Jesus did on the cross. Because the curtain was torn in two.         I read the story with a new perspective today and realized just what Jesus had done for the world, and that included ME. Jesus in all his holiness died for me and for the world. I saw the depth of Jesus love for me and I only scratched the surface!      

Another thing that amazed me was that he went through SO MUCH suffering and is giving his gift of salvation to us…For FREE! All we have to do is ask and receive.

We serve a great God!  

What do I know of Holy

~Addison Road

I made You promises a thousand times
I tried to hear from Heaven
But I talked the whole time
I think I made You too small
I never feared You at all No
If You touched my face would I know You?
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?

(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees

(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?

Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

(CHORUS 2)
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life “its” name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?

(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?