Enter in: Remembering the Cross

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Since January, 2014, twelve acres have been under construction in Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida. For three years people have pondered what lies behind those walls, blocking off the hidden land from public view. Whatever those walls contained, we knew it was big and exciting, especially since Disney was behind it.

Well, we won’t have to hold our breath much longer. The big reveal is set for May 27, 2017, where Pandora – The World of Avator will become open to the public. Disney describes it as ‘a real world experience‘ where you can ‘interact directly‘ with the rainforest and ‘ride on your very own Banshee.’ I’m excited to say, my family and I will have the opportunity to experience Pandora ourselves in June.

ENTER IN

“And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, and the earth shook; and the rocks were split…” –Matthew 27:51

For centuries, the Jewish people could only wonder what lied behind the temple veil. Only the high priest could enter beyond the veil into the Holy of Holies and then only once a year on the Day of Atonement to offer a blood sacrifice on behalf of the people. The veil – made of blue, purple, and scarlet material and fine twisted linen (Exodus 26:31) – was roughly 60 feet high, 30 feet wide, and 4 inches thick. It separated the people from the most holy God (Isaiah 59:2).

But when the ultimate offering had been sacrificed – Jesus Christ, Son of the living God  (Hebrews 9:11-14) – the veil was torn from top to bottom. Only the hand of God could have accomplished such a feat. Only the mind of God could have envisioned such a perfect plan of redemption.

All barriers between man and God were removed in one final breath. All people, both Jew and Gentile, have full access into the Holy of Holies. God no longer dwells in temples made with human hands, but now He dwells in our hearts (Acts 17:24).

And now we can have the confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 10:19). We can experience Jesus ourselves and interact directly with the living God! We can approach His throne with boldness and commune with Him intimately!

So, why are you still living in the outer courts pondering what’s on the inside? You have access to His Presence anywhere you can bend your knees in prayer. As we remember the cross this weekend, remember to enter within the veil, where Jesus entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever (Hebrews 6:20).