Before Jesus came and paid the ultimate sacrifice, there was an inner room in the temple called the Holy of Holies. It was separated by a large curtain that was referred to as “the veil.” It was where the presence of the Lord reigned. It was the dwelling place of God in the midst of His people.

Only the high priest could enter into that space, and only once a year (the day of atonement) after a very specific purification process, including the blood of an animal shed on behalf of the sins of God’s people. The presence of God was shielded from human contact. His presence is so powerful and so perfect that anyone who was less than perfect would not be able to stand in His presence.

God’s presence is so powerful, and at that time, it was not available for just anyone. He had to remain separate from us. It was not until after the ultimate sacrifice, the death of Jesus, that the atonement of all sins was paid in full. As Jesus took His last breath and said, “It is finished,” the ground shook, and the veil in the Tabernacle tore from top to bottom.

God’s presence was made available to us all from that moment on.

Because of Jesus!

And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter Heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting Him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.

—Hebrews 10:19-22 NLT

His presence is available to us . . . all of us!

Thank you, Jesus, for all that you paid for.

Today’s encouragement was quoted from my book, Life is Muddy: How to Conquer the Hard, Heavy and Hurtful Parts of Life with God. I pray these words serve as a powerful reminder of what Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection accomplished for each of us!

Much love, J