Tear Down the Wall

During World War 2 a group of scientists were constructing the atomic bomb. One of the mechanics dropped a spanner into the radioactive device. Knowing that this would cause the bomb to explode in seconds, one of the top scientists reached in and grabbed the spanner. He saved the lives of all, but lost his own life because of radiation exposure. It is a story that echoes the message of the cross, where Jesus died for our sins so we would not have to.

Isaiah 53: ⁴ Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,  stricken by him, and afflicted.
⁵ But he was pierced for our transgressions,  he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him

Jesus died a horrible, unfair death for all to see. But something unseen and far worse happened. He, the sinless one, experienced the punishment our sin deserved so that we could be forgiven. That’s why He felt abandoned by His Father. When He breathed His last breathe.

Long before Jesus came, the Jews built a temple. God lived in it, in the most Holy Place. No one could enter through the curtain except the high priest once a year. This reminded the people that their sin was serious and separated them from God. When Jesus died on the cross the veil was torn. This barrier between sinners (us) and God was destroyed by the sacrifice of Jesus! The door is now open for us to live closely with God, despite our past sins, which are now forgiven. What an amazing offer, freedom from guilt and a closer relationship with God. Of course this would only apply if your receive His blood bought forgiveness and walk through the open door, by putting our faith in Jesus and the cross!