Let us enter into His presence

Dear Families and Friends

As we approach Easter this year I would like to consider the question ‘Why did God tear the veil in two’. Mark in his gospel records the event in the following way:

"And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” (Mark 15: 37-39)

The significance of this event for me is that through the broken body of Christ, I now have the freedom to enter into the very presence of God. This is good news. Jesus’s sacrifice was both complete and eternal, allowing all who believe the opportunity to enter into a true and meaningful relationship with Him.

"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10: 19-25)

This passage from the apostle Paul is a great encouragement of what is now possible as we surrender our lives to Jesus. I am particularly challenged by verse 24, to be a vessel of love and good works as we encourage each other to do the same. My own father often reminds me that the Good News of the Gospel is not only that Christ died on the cross for our sins, but that we are now able to live as Jesus did, through the spirit, in love. That is to say, that to love is clearly the best way to live.

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)

This Easter may we also remember the veil being torn in two and how this symbolises for all of us that we now have full access to the presence of God, through the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. May being in the presence of God, be our inspiration to love both God and each other more completely, as there is no better way to live.

During this current worldwide health crisis, may we continue to put our trust in Jesus and draw near to our Heavenly Father. I pray for God’s protection and love for all and that God’s presence would equip us to be more like Christ to a world that needs to experience his love and care.

Mark Potter
Deputy Principal