The Bride: Part Six
Last week I wrote that enjoying the Presence of God should be a priority for a believer: priority is a strong word. Let’s think about that.
The Tabernacle, a lower story, included a private room behind a veil or curtain where animal blood was offered to cover the sins of the people for a year. That shadow or image was a preview of the first coming of Jesus the Messiah: the final sacrifice.
Hebrew 10:1-25 explains that truth from a Jewish perspective so we can understand that sacrificial blood reminded the people of their sins every year but could never take them away (vs. 3). This passage makes it clear that Jesus was sent in a physical body to fulfill the Father’s will: the blood offering that was final and for all (vs. 10).
What does that have to do with the Bride? Let’s stay in the lower story and consider a bridal veil. Many brides wear a veil covering their faces as they draw near to their bridegroom at the altar; can you envision that scene? There’s a sense of anticipation as she finally arrives and he lifts the veil seeing his bride face to face.
It’s the same way in the spiritual realm or the upper story when we draw near to Jesus in the secret place and intentionally spend time with Him. There’s no veil or curtain separating us from God anymore: the curtain was split in half allowing us entrance into the Holy of Holies. Matthew 27:51a
Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom …
… whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18
As a bride, our upper story veil has been lifted and we now have the privilege of face to face communion with our Lord. Heb. 10:20 reminds us that this freedom brings us life and refreshment: it’s a new and living way. Allow the Holy Spirit to draw you into His Presence and be assured that you are forgiven, washed clean, and stand before Him as a Bride before her Bridegroom.
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
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
Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. Romans 5:2
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