TORN – Day 14
Paradise Reopened
“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.” (Revelation 21:3)
Today’s Scripture reading is Matthew 13:13-17
Embroidered on the temple curtain was a panorama of the heavens. When the veil was torn, the message was clear: paradise reopened! This was foreshadowed three years earlier at Jesus’ baptism. When he came up out of the Jordan’s waters, the heavens were torn open and God spoke, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Then at the cross, as Jesus took his last breath, the veil was torn open and the centurion declared, “Truly this man was the son of God!” (Mark 15:39).
These two events are connected by one message: the life and sacrifice of Jesus pleases his Father. Paradise is open again for those who call Jesus Lord. Reflect on a time that heaven seemed closed or that God seemed distant, and give him thanks that paradise is open to you, now and always.
Prayer: “Jesus, you are the Son of God! I declare it with you. You alone are…”