40 Days of Easter Devotional for April 19

40 Days of Easter - April 19, 2011

Written by: Pastor Zeke Tomaselli

THE PURSUIT
Matthew 27:51 - 53

FOCAL VERSE
Matthew 27:51 "And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split."

The veil in the temple, like sin, (Isaiah 59:1-2) separated men from God's dwelling place the Holy of Holies (Heb 9:1-9). Only the High Priest could go where God dwelt once a year. The temple stood 90 feet tall when Solomon created it, and it was raised another 30 feet by King Herod according to first century Jewish historian Josephus. It is said that the veil stood about 60 feet tall. Josephus also said that the veil was four inches thick, and horses tied to each corner would not be able to tear the veil apart.

The word "BEHOLD" (v. 51) gives this text a very epic setting. Jesus takes His last breath on that torturous cross and yields His spirit to be in the presence of His Father. Following this authoritative control that Christ displayed of giving up His Spirit, a huge earthquake occurs. Earthquakes were not uncommon in Palestine, but what was uncommon was the strength this earthquake had to split a 60-foot tightly woven veil in two. It had survived many past quakes but not on the day Christ was crucified (ESV Study Bible). The text also says that rocks were split and removed from the gravesites of past saints who showed themselves too many (v. 53).

We must understand that God's will of redeeming man back to Himself demands to be showcased. This text proves that. Since man's fall, God has been in PURSUIT of reconciling His people into an intimate love relationship with Himself. On the cross, Christ gave up His right to breathe to conquer sin and to be in the presence of His Father. In that same way, our Holy God shook Palestine to its core, literally splitting the indestructible veil (sin) that kept people from having the opportunity to come into a relationship with Him. No veil, no tomb, nor even a religious system will stop a Holy God in PURSUIT of His children, the true temple.

- How do you view salvation from that text?
-Do you understand that God wants to be in fellowship with you through an intimate love relationship?
- Are you okay with the fact that God doesn't dwell in a building, rather He dwells within the born again believer, saints, His children?
- If you have encountered God through this devotion, thank Him for His sovereign pursuit after you.

Glory to God, Forever!