Inspired by The Garden, The Curtain, and the Cross
? The Garden: A Place of Perfect Presence
In the beginning, God walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. It was a place of perfect peace, joy, and closeness with God.
But then something heartbreaking happened—sin entered the world.
Genesis 3:23-24
“So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden… After He drove the man out, He placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.”
These angels—warrior messengers of God—stood guard with flaming swords. Why? Because sin separates us from God. Not out of punishment alone, but for our protection—because sinful people cannot survive in the presence of a holy God.
Because of sin, we cannot come in.
? The Curtain: A Reminder of Separation
Many years later, in the Temple where people worshiped God, there was a massive curtain (veil) separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place—God’s very presence.
And guess what was embroidered on that curtain? Angels.
Exodus 26:31
“Make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim woven into it by a skilled worker.”
Every time God’s people saw that curtain, they were reminded: “Because of sin, you can’t come in.” The angels still stood watch—separation still remained.
But God had a plan…
✝️ The Cross: The Curtain Torn, the Way Opened
Jesus, the Son of God, came to undo the curse. On the cross, He took our sin into His body and died in our place.
Isaiah 53:5
“But He was pierced for our transgressions… and by His wounds, we are healed.”
When Jesus died, something incredible happened in the Temple.
Matthew 27:50-51
“And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He gave up His spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.“
The curtain—with angels guarding the way—was torn in two. Not from bottom to top as if by human hands, but from top to bottom—by the hand of God. The separation was gone. The way was open.
Now, through Jesus, God says:
“Because of HIM, you can come in.”
? Questions to Ponder This Week
- Do I truly understand what it cost for the curtain to be torn?
- Am I living like someone who has access to God’s presence?
- What does it mean for me to “come in” to God’s presence daily?
- Who in my life still believes “because of sin, you can’t come in”? How can I share the truth with them?
? Prayer of Preparation
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the beauty of the Garden, where You once walked with man. Thank You for Your holiness and justice that demanded separation—so we would not be destroyed. But most of all, thank You for Jesus. Thank You for the Cross. Thank You that the curtain is torn and the angels no longer guard the way because the Way has been made.
Help us come to You with reverence and joy. Help us share with others the truth that because of HIM, we can come in.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Let your hearts be stirred this week. Let your children’s eyes light up when they hear the story. And when we gather, be ready to celebrate the God who made a way for us to come home.