Tuesday, February 7
Signs
Scripture: Matthew 27
Matthew 27:50–51 Then Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and gave up his spirit. 51 Just then the temple curtain was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks were split apart.
Observation
The death of Jesus was accompanied by many signs. First, natural signs: three hours of midday darkness, and an earthquake as he died. It’s as though creation itself was convulsing as he died. Second, supernatural signs: the temple veil was split from top to bottom, and tombs were opened and saints raised. What was the significance of these supernatural signs?
The veil in the temple separated the Most Holy Place where God dwelt from the Holy Place where the priests ministered. The veil was split from top to bottom, indicating that God himself tore it. The way into God’s presence was now opened by Jesus’ sacrificial death. A holy God welcomed sinners into his presence because Jesus dealt with their sin. The torn veil shouts, “Welcome. Come in.” On the cross, God triumphed over sin that separated us from him.
The resurrection of some saints announced God’s triumph over death and the promise of resurrection for all.
Jesus’ death was the defeat of both sin and death. God triumphed over our ancient adversaries in the most unusual way: in the death of his Son.
Application
My response: gratitude.
I’m grateful for access to the Father, that I’m welcomed into his presence today. I will gratefully lean into that privilege today, and live in his presence. I will enjoy a conversational relationship with God wherever I am—I don’t have to be in a temple; I am the temple! Lean in. Enjoy.
I’m grateful for the hope of eternal life. The death and resurrection of Jesus secure my eternal life. Because he died and rose, I will die and rise. The best is yet to come! Hope. (This becomes increasingly valued as I grow older. Not to be maudlin, but recently I was looking at the obits in the paper, and more than half the people there were younger than me! It was a sobering reminder of my mortality. Today’s scripture is a joyful reminder of my eternity.)
Prayer: I love you Jesus. I am moved when I read of your suffering…for me. I am grateful that you defeated sin and death and made a way for me to enjoy the Father now and forever. Thank you!
More: Exodus 23-24, Psalm 16, Acts 13