Now it was the third hour, and they crucified Him... Now when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour... And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last. Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. (Mark 15:25,33,37-38 NKJV)
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil. (Hebrews 6:19 NKJV)
"I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore ... when I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you shall surely die!' and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand... Say to them: 'As I live,' says the Lord GOD, 'I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live.' " (Ezekiel 33:7-8,11 NKJV)
Most Christians have heard that the presence of God lay behind the veil of the Most Holy Place, bringing death to the high priest who entered if not purified by blood—and that when Jesus Christ shed His blood the torn veil represented the removal of that separation from God.
But danger still dwells behind the veil. To those who have not been covered by the Lordship of Jesus Christ and His blood, one day entering the presence of God will mean eternal death for their sin. They may not plead innocent by reason of ignorance.
Those of us covered by our Lord's blood are no longer separated from God and have access to His presence—but not for ourselves only. Ezekiel was sent to the house of Israel. To whomever we each may be sent, we have a most serious responsibility to both warn of the danger and invite access to life behind the veil, lest the blood of the wicked be upon our hands.
Almighty God, access to Your holy presence is a precious privilege. Thank You for restoring Yourself to us. Please take away the flesh from our ears so we may clearly hear when You would have us share the warning and the invitation to others of Your presence behind the veil.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
You make God smile daily.
ReplyDeleteAnne,
ReplyDeleteHow your words resonate with me! Recently my heart aches for just such a situation...one whom I thought might be found, but instead was lost. :( Thank you for your words, so carefully chosen...I will carry your message with me today.
God bless you richly today.