The weather is cold now. Even though most of the ice and snow from a recent storm has melted, the wind still whips up and over our home bringing the bite of winter. When this season rolls around each year, I can hibernate with the best of the bears. Sleep late. Bundle up in favorite blankets and quilts. Cuddle with our Boxer girl. I honestly have to force myself to complete work other than reading a good book, so daily exercise becomes even more of a punishment than normal. Still, I try to make myself do the “fun” work of getting my heart rate high enough to keep me moving and healthy.
After a time of walking or dancing or yoga, I am ready for a shower. During the recent ice storm, I noticed again the effectiveness of a thin shower curtain hanging between the warm waterfall of a shower and the chill of the bathroom. When the outside temperature falls into the single digits, the bathroom feels cold as well. How is it that such a thin layer of cloth can contain the steam and heat of the water? Even when I turn off the water, the heat stays inside of the shower with me. The simplicity and truth of this event makes me think about the protective layer of the veils that are in the Bible.
After Moses talked with God on Mount Sinai, he had to wear a veil because the reflection of God’s presence upon Moses’s face was too spectacular for the people to see. Before Jesus, the temple veil was in place to keep the holiest inner sanctuary separate from the everyday people. The high priest entered that inner area to approach the Ark of the Covenant only once a year, wearing sacred linen garments. In each of these Old Testament situations, a thin covering protected the people from overwhelming situations with God on the inside of the veil. God’s glory was so powerful that humans could not handle being in His presence without being frightened or overcome.
When Jesus was crucified, the veil in the temple was torn from the top to the bottom, which fascinates me. Because of Jesus, humans can experience atonement and mercy and love with not even a thin layer between God and us. The choice to follow Jesus allows humans the gift of the Holy Spirit living within our very beings. While I love the comfort and peace I have from this personal connection, I also appreciate that we still have a layer of protection around us. It’s just that we are now on the inside of the curtain with Him.
A Christian is definitely not exempt from pain, suffering, hard decisions, sin, or heartbreak. The difference is that Jesus promises a way through the negative life events as they happen. From the spiritual warfare happening all around that we can’t see to the physical and emotional trials that press us daily, Jesus offers a veil of protection. The change from Old Testament to New Testament veils comforts me immensely because before Jesus, humans had to be on the opposite side of the veil from God. If we were too close, we were overwhelmed. Not anymore. Accepting Jesus means that we can stay behind the curtain with Him. Together. On the same side. Not overwhelmed by His glory, but saved by His grace. Amazing, isn’t it? If your world feels frozen, and you are vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy, say yes to Jesus and stay behind the curtain with Him. He will protect you and give you a place to stay warm and peaceful even in the midst of the world’s ice storm. He loves you that much!
Lori Vandeventer 