Torn In Two: The Next Door of Opportunity
Certain things in life are irreversible. For example, a sunrise cannot be replicated. A shattered vase cannot be restored. A word cannot be revoked.
And a curtain torn in two is forever separated.
I am thanking the Lord for that with all my heart this Easter season. Jesus Christ, the Promised Messiah and Savior of the world, died on a cross to pay the wages of sin and reunite indebted sinners to God the Father. Unjustly beaten, unfairly mocked, unlawfully crucified, He breathed His last and altered the eternal state of heaven and earth.
“It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit!” And having said this He breathed His last.” – Luke 23:44-46
That curtain was the intricately woven fabric that hung so carefully in the sanctuary of God. Patterned after the divine instruction originally provided Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness for the traveling dwelling place of God, known as the Tabernacle, the drapery separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.
A consecrated priest could enter the Holy of Holies but once a year to atone for sin and appear before the very Mercy Seat of God on behalf of the people. That throne room, as it were, was isolated from laymen and bystanders, who were tainted by iniquity and therefore denied access to a perfect God.
I envision myself there, a lonely wanderer in the wasteland of sin. Cut off from fellowship with God because of my own rebellion against Him. Hopeless without a sacrifice acceptable to Him. Lost without a righteousness credited to my account.
But Jesus.
The One who crossed the chasm, bridged the breach, healed the hole.
“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” – Isaiah 53:3-6
The curtain put in place because of sin was once for all ripped down the middle to grant the one who believes entry into God’s presence and acceptance into His fellowship. Christ alone has broken down the dividing wall of hostility and reconciled sinners to God.
Abby
Imagine a canyon. A rift splits the earth in two, forming a gaping ravine.
One could call it a chasm—an empty, impassable space separating one side, one world, one soul from another. So illustrates the story of salvation, good news for the ear that will hear.
Before the beginning, God was. He created the heavens and the earth, forming man in His image. Human beings thrived in paradise and communion with their Maker. An innocent, whole union.
It didn’t take long for them to disobey God’s command. Humanity plunged into sin and shame, death and despair. Trust was broken, relationship violated, everything cursed. A deep, searing divide.
Now every baby born into the human population emerges on the side of sin, far from God’s righteousness and goodness.
But God’s steadfast love is so unfathomably profound that He had a plan all along to rescue His wayward children. At the scene of the first crime, He promised—an offspring to bruise the enemy’s head and crush him forever (Genesis 3:15).
The prophets foretold according to God’s revelation. The people endured according to God’s grace.
“The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to Him you shall listen.” – Deuteronomy 18:15
“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14
“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for Me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” – Micah 5:2
It took countless years and numerous generations for the Promise to arrive … but the Savior appeared at just the right time to fulfill God’s plan.
“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” – Galatians 2:4-5
This wasn’t just any hero come to save, but the Son of God Himself.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” – 1:29
“He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” – 1 John 2:2
So God’s great love bridged an unbridgeable gap, crossed an uncrossable divide, and restored hopeless sinners to the living hope of eternal life. 1 Timothy 3:16 summarizes,
“He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.”
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” – Ephesians 2:13
A breeze tickles the leaves of the trees around you as you make your way through the forest. A bird chirps in the distance, a fly buzzes by your ear, and a wall of jagged rocks plunges downward to your left. You must concentrate on the trail, thinking carefully about each step and strategically selecting your path.
Likening life to a hike is not a new analogy, but it sure does paint a picture of trust and determination. At times the route is straightforward; at other times, masked. Sometimes there are multiple options to choose from; other times, choices are limited. Occasionally, the direction is clear; but most times, there’s only enough context to make the next move.
I guess that’s the thrilling and terrifying adventure of life … especially for one who journeys with God.
I’ve always been the investigative type who collects all possible information, assesses all potential options, and then makes the most educated decision based on the resources available. While this might be a rational approach to decision-making, it is not the most feasible method for living. And if I walk by faith, that automatically limits the authority of my logic.
Proverbs 3:5-6 is a well-rehearsed guide for the Christian.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
Isaiah 55:8-9 assures the believer that God’s ways are far superior.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
Clearly, my musing, pondering, and planning can only get me so far. My own mind and resolve would land me far from where God’s power and will desire to take me. When I surrender to Him, though, He begins to teach and guide me.
“Make me to know Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths.” – Psalm 25:4
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” – Proverbs 16:9
I am finding that the luxury of knowing is not often afforded to me. But God has given me a brain to think, a heart to feel, and a body to move. It is my job to seek Him prayerfully and obey Him diligently.
I might not (and in fact, likely won’t) catch vision of the way forward or even make out the final destination … but, in prayer and obedience, I can be confident enough to take the next right step. And then the next one. And on from there.
I may find myself somewhere I never saw coming. I could end up taking the long way around or wind up on a detour. But if all the while I am growing closer to the Lord, then I see great value in taking it one step at a time.
Abby
A vibrant rainbow graces the sky after a nasty rainstorm … Daring buds burst out of hibernation after a long, lifeless winter … Soil is replenished and creatures return after a ravaging fire. Nature merely reflects the truth that God works good out of evil.
Romans 8:28 declares, “For those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.”
One of my favorite examples is Joseph, a man who suffered many injustices for the purpose of God. His words to his offenders stand in history: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20).
So too, believers are to embrace hardship in full confidence and with joyful hope.
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” – James 1:2-4
“We rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame.” – Romans 5:2-5
What seems exacting and unfeeling is really loving and merciful.
“It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? … For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness.” – Hebrews 12:7, 10
We delight in our heavenly inheritance, the prize.
“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” – 1 Peter 1:6-7
Through the brutal yet beautiful process … God is glorified, His people sanctified.
“For You, O God, have tested us; You have tried us as silver is tried … We went through fire and through water; yet You have brought us out to a place of abundance.” – Psalm 66:10, 12
“Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.” – Isaiah 48:10
Our God is Master Craftsman of the soul.
“The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts.” – Proverbs 17:3
Certainly, “He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).
So when I face difficulty, who can I turn to but God?
“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will stand upon the earth.” – Job 19:25
“I’m here for you.” “You can count on me.” “I do.” Powerful expressions convey a message of loyalty, commitment, and dedication to another, no matter what.
The human soul needs a friend, a partner to walk through life with, talk to, and lean on in times of victory and defeat, joy and sorrow, confidence and uncertainty. It is that way because God made it to be so.
It began when God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him” (Genesis 2:18). Ever since, godly community has been affirmed throughout Scripture and established in Christ.
“And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” – Ecclesiastes 4:12
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” – Psalm 133:1
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together … but encouraging one another.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
The only thing better than fellowship with godly people is communion with God Himself. And He is far from a fair-weather friend. His fatherly promise is to hold, defend, protect, nurture, and guide every child who clings to Him.
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” – Deuteronomy 31:8
Through every circumstance, trial, and tribulation, God remains faithful.
“But now thus says the Lord, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.’” – Isaiah 43:1-2
Indeed, “the mountains [could] be moved into the heart of the sea, its waters roar and foam, [and] the mountains tremble at its swelling,” but “we will not fear though the earth gives way” (Psalm 46:2-3).
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble … The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” – 1, 7
“For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in.” – Psalm 27:10
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4
Promise after promise, grace after grace pour forth from the Friend of friends, a Father and Savior who cares inexpressibly deeply for His own. In every instant, every temptation, every tussle, every triumph, and every letdown, God is right there, nearer than ever. He gives comfort, wisdom, and discipline, all according to His love and purpose.
Abby
Some people watch a movie to the very end of the credits and squeeze a bottle down to the very last drop. I personally scrape every last morsel of peanut butter out of every jar.
Some things are worth it through and through, straight down to the core and down to the very last ounce. In a way, that’s a description of how devoted I want to be to God.
All that I am and have comes from Him. Paul preaches in Acts 17, “For ‘In Him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are indeed His offspring’” (28).
Isn’t it fitting, then, that every fiber of my being live for Him? I think that’s what David is saying in Psalm 103:1. “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!”
God made human beings for Him, and from the beginning, we can see a beautiful relationship of dependence and adoration. In fact, the greatest commandment still stands: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:5).
Jesus seconded that in Matthew 22:37. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
That sounds like an all-in approach. There should be nothing for me to hide and nothing for me to fear. If my heart beats, lungs breath, brain thinks, hands work, and feet move, then all of it should be done for the glory and good pleasure of my Maker.
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him … Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” – Colossians 3:17, 23
“For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” – Philippians 2:13
I was recently reading in Exodus, when God gave instructions for the tabernacle, a holy place where He would dwell among His people in the wilderness. He appointed certain men “to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft” because He had filled them “with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship” (31:3-5). Human skill, among all other things, is a gift from God intended to glorify God.
The truth is, I owe my Redeemer my whole life. Even if I owned heaven and earth and offered it all to God as a love offering, it would still not be enough to honor His greatness. So I live each day out of gratitude and praise, because all things in heaven and on earth are subject to the King of kings and Lord of lords.
A vacation experience, your favorite recipe, the sweetness of a friendship … some of life’s treasures feel unmatched. There’s just nothing like the comfort of your couch, the smell of fresh bread, or the joy of children’s laughter.
All these gifts come from the very One who is Himself matchless. The great and awesome God, who has existed forever, never has had nor ever will have rival or equal. He alone is Sovereign.
“‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.’” – Revelation 1:8
“There is none like You, O Lord, and there is no God besides You.” – 1 Chronicles 17:20
“There is none like You, O Lord; You are great, and Your name is great in might.” – Jeremiah 10:6
His love is like nothing ever known. His power is like nothing ever experienced. His glory is like nothing ever beheld.
“Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of His inheritance? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in steadfast love.” – Micah 7:18
“O Lord God, You have only begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your mighty hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as Yours?” – Deuteronomy 3:24
“There is none holy like the Lord: for there is none besides You; there is no rock like our God.” – 1 Samuel 2:2
God alone brought about everything that is, by the breath and word of His mouth.
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” – Genesis 1:1
“Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it.” – Deuteronomy 10:14
“All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made.” – John 1:3
“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen.” – Romans 11:36
Humanity’s prime and most robust vocabulary falls drastically short in capturing the character of God.
“Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure.” – Psalm 147:5
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways!” – Romans 11:33
This is the very God who dwelt among men as a human being and now resides among His people in Spirit. Again He shall return to claim His bride and forever reign over all.
“Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.” – Isaiah 9:7
“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom.” – Hebrews 1:8
There is no one like our God, none at all.
Throughout life, a typical family cherishes keepsakes, acquires possessions, and accrues wealth, compiling over time that family’s best. Eventually, children and grandchildren down the line receive a well-planned, well-preserved inheritance.
Legally speaking, assets are transferred from their original owner to any number of appointed heirs. Laws determine rights and obligations in the process, the heart of which is legacy. Each family builds its own history of exchanged stories and collected memories, infused into belongings and fortunes.
Inheritance has long been a social practice, for the Bible speaks extensively on the matter. Jacob, the father of the nation Israel, blessed his twelve sons with their respective portions. God through Moses instituted laws for allotment for each of the twelve tribes. In Jesus’ teaching as well, a prodigal son demanded his share early and squandered it in reckless living. God’s design includes this built-in measure of provision for His people and the generations after them.
Proverbs 13:22 even says, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.”
Money, property, and other resources, however, are temporary. They will be used up, worn out, and eventually handed over to another. Thus God preserves an infinitely more glorious inheritance for His children.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places … In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight … In Him we have obtained an inheritance … In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of His glory.” – Ephesians 1:3, 7-8, 11, 13-14
Earthly treasures cannot compare with the immeasurable riches stored up for the saints of God and servants of Christ! Wealth or prestige may be lacking on earth, but nothing is lacking in heavenly reserves!
“The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.” – Psalm 16:6
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” – 1 Peter 1:3-5
This promotes holiness and godliness in the meantime.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” – Colossians 3:23-24
No moth, rust, or thief can destroy or steal what is safeguarded in heaven for you and I. This world does not satisfy, but we belong to the One who does.
The concept of pursuit can be taken two different ways. On one hand, it may elicit thoughts of a criminal chase, unwanted following, or feverish hunt. On the other, it could describe a gentle, loving persistence that seeks good and builds trust.
Qualities may be similar, but outcome is drastically different. Hectic, forceful pursuit is uninvited and anxiety-ridden; intentional, respectful pursuit is refreshing and edifying. Relentlessness can be harsh, but it can also be soft. Indeed, the greatest pursuit of all is one of love.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
Love pursues. And God is love.
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued My faithfulness to you.” – Jeremiah 31:3
This isn’t merely a one-size-fits-all approach to salvation. God personally communicates His love with each of His children. He bends down, comes in, draws near.
In my own life I have seen this pursuit unfolding. God’s love seems to chase me down, find me out, and bring me back again and again. Sometimes it feels like a delicate knock on the door of my heart, other times like a piercing arrow through the channels of my soul. But it’s always the Lord, reminding me of His truth and coming (yet again) to the rescue.
David writes one of my favorite lines in Psalm 23, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (6).
God is determined in the most beautiful way—to restore what has been lost, renew what has been broken, revive what has been lifeless. He never ceases to stir and move and work according to His wisdom and might to bring about a new thing for my good and His glory.
“But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep His covenant and remember to do His commandments.” – Psalm 103:17-18
God was the one who created mankind and established a relationship with him. He provided and promised through the ages, came to earth as a man, and is patiently waiting to return. God always makes the first move.
That leaves us to respond: Step toward Him, or away? Pursue Him in return, or reject His love? One day eternity will be sealed, but for now the invitation stands.
“I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying His voice and holding fast to Him, for He is your life and length of days …” – Deuteronomy 20:19-20
“For thus says the Lord to the house of Israel: ‘Seek Me and live.’” – Amos 5:4
“Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
Abby
Weather might be one of the most common topics of conversation. It surfaces in small talk, regular dialogue, and discussion about plans because it so significantly affects daily life. Men and women devote their careers to studying it and their evenings to watching it on television.
Seasons, phenomena, and disasters seem powerful indeed. Yet I would argue they have no power at all, not on their own.
The force behind every gust of wind, bolt of lightning, and flood of water is God. His hand controls the universe, displaying His might to the nations.
The brutal cold has made me think more deeply about nature. It is uncontrollable. Yes, man has discovered ways to harness energy, invented ways to capture resources, and implemented ways to ease catastrophes … but no man can claim authority over the ocean’s tide, exercise influence over the star’s alignment, or prove ownership of endangered species. That right and ability belong to God alone.
Isn’t that relieving? An evil dictator can’t annihilate a city with fire from heaven. An innocent child can’t make rainbows cover every inch of the sky. Nor can I make the weather do what I want … but I walk daily with the One who does.
“He covers the heavens with clouds; He prepares rain for the earth; He makes grass grow on the hills.” – Psalm 147:8
“He determines the number of the stars; He gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure.” – 4-5
“The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens; by His knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew.” – Proverbs 3:19-20
The Bible is full of God’s wisdom in founding the entire created order and managing its systems. Man is clueless; only God knows how to feed wild beasts and align planets.
His running list is long, yet He flawlessly upholds the universe by the word of His power, since the dawn of creation until now, without fail.
He commands the morning,
Distributes light,
Sends forth lightnings,
Clefts a channel for the torrents of rain and a way for the thunderbolt,
Brings rain on the land,
Makes the ground sprout with grass,
Hunts and provides prey,
Knows when His creatures give birth,
Enters into the springs of the sea,
Walks the recesses of the deep,
Enters the storehouses of snow and hail,
Scatters the east wind upon the earth,
Numbers the clouds by wisdom.
Just to name a few (Job 38-39).
“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.” – Psalm 24:1-2
“All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made.” – John 1:3
The ground might freeze, the earth might quake, but I will not fear, because I belong to the One who made it all.