The Veil is Torn!

Have you ever seen the majesty of Bridal Veil Falls at Yosemite National Park? Stunning! Breathtaking!

And there’s the sweetness of a lacy bridal veil, waiting to be lifted by a new husband.

Bridal veils are beautiful.

We've celebrated the forgiveness of Good Friday and the joy of Resurrection Sunday. 

But, as I read the Scripture, there’s an event that’s often passed over: the tearing of the bridal veil.

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 

The earth shook and the rocks split. Matthew 27:51

Why do I call the curtain a bridal veil?

In the Old Testament, God often referred to Himself as Israel’s Husband.

For your Maker is your husband-- the LORD Almighty is his name-- the Holy One of Israel 

is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth. Isaiah 54:5

But a veil separated Israel from her husband. In the temple, the Holy of Holies, where God dwelt, was set apart by a curtain.

This was no sheer bridal veil as we think of today. Exodus 26 describes it as a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen. Heavy, thick cloth. Even though Israel was Almighty God’s cherished wife and He was her husband, she could never approach Him. A thick veil separated them. Never to be opened. Never to be lifted. 

And then Jesus died on the cross, the perfect sacrifice for our sins. The bridal veil tore from top to bottom.

Can you imagine the shock of the priests who were in the temple performing sacrifices in preparation for Passover? The tearing sound of the heavy cloth must have been deafening. Imagine their shock as they watched unseen hands rip it apart from top to bottom. The Holy of Holies, once forbidden, now hung open for all to enter.

The church – all believers – you and me – we are the bride of Christ and we are free to enter in. We are welcome before God’s throne.

Because the veil was torn.

No separation. No fear. No isolation.

God is open and available to us every moment of every day. He is around us and within us.

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of 

Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body. Hebrews 10:19-20.

I get up in the mornings and I sit, with a hot cup of tea, and I come into the presence of God. I feel His love. I talk to Him and He talks to me. Throughout the day, I ask for guidance, I send up brief requests for help, I talk to Him while I’m driving.

This is the miracle of a torn curtain. This is a gift from Christ’s blood.

We are forgiven. We are cleansed. We are welcome. 

How does knowing you can approach God, forgiven and free, bless you?



Photo credits: Bridal Veil Falls, Bride