The Purple Veil

We've all seen or have heard of the story of

 “The Wizard of OZ”

 In the story Dorthy's crew found their way to the Wizard in the land of Oz. They found their way in to the parlor of the Wizard of Oz, where a larger than life image of the Great Oz would speak to them from behind a veil with a large thundering voice along with flashing lights and billows of smoke.

  The idea was to create an ominous presence creating fear in those who dare enter the presence of the “Great and Mighty Wizard of OZ.” 
 Toto wasn't quite as paralyzed by the fear inflicted by the theatrics of the Wizard. Finding his way behind the bravado, Toto exposed the activity behind the veil, ultimately exposing the Wizard as a fraud. He was just a man just  like any other man!

 Let me tell you about another veil that was very serious and very real. This veil was located in the Temple in Jerusalem, The temple of God. It was used to separate the two rooms inside the temple: the sanctuary where the priests offered daily sacrifices for the sins of the people of God where animals were sacrificed on the alter of God, separated from the Holy of Holies…the most holy of rooms, the place where God lived. The high priest would enter into the  presence of God, into this most holy place, once a year to make atonement for the sins of God's people.

 This veil that separated God from every human was somewhere near 60 feet high and four inches thick. It was said that it would be impossible for horses tied to each side to pull the veil apart. It was made from blue, purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen, this veil was a beautiful work of chosen artisans. The veil created a separation between God and man. The Hebrew work for veil means screen, divider or a separator that hides.

What was this curtain separating? It kept mankind from God because our sinful life style makes it impossible to connect with God. God’s eyes are too pure to look on evil. According to Habakkuk 1:13 The holiness of God will not tolerate sin in his presence. The veil was a barrier to make sure that man could not carelessly and irreverently enter into God’s awesome presence.

 Jesus sacrificial death on the cross changed all that. When He died the curtain in the Temple was torn in half, from top to bottom exposing the Holy of Holies! God's presence was made available to all of us! Jesus died to make atonement for our sins and make us in right standing with God. The torn veil illustrated Jesus's body broken for us, opening the way for us to come close to God. When Jesus cried "IT IS FINISHED" before he died, it was a yell of victory that God's plan for redemption was complete. No more animal sacrifices were necessary to cover over the sins we commit. The ultimate offering had been given. See Hebrews 6:19-20.


Through Jesus and his blood we have been given direct access into the throne room of God. We are justified because he who had no sin became sin for us.

Thanks You Jesus. We owe you our lives Lord.