Behind the Curtain

There are days when I "feel" less spiritual than others. Certainly, changing diapers or fighting with my wife does not exactly bring me into the ecstasies of God. Some days, for any number of reasons (caffeine, good sleep, good sex, great exercise, watching Elmo on TV?) can surely lift my spirits. During those times is my relationship with God more secure? Does God like me more and thus make me feel better? In short does feeling good necessarily indicate that God is pleased with me?

If by "feeling good" we mean to say feeling "pleasurable," then I can "feel good" while gluttonizing myself at the Ryan's buffet on Sunday (after fanning the flames of hell concerning drunkenness during my earlier sermon). I can feel rotten about having to live up to my promise to help my wife with diaper duty. My feelings can go in any number of directions and lure me in any number of ways. The sirens sing when I am least likely to wear ear plugs.

"We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 6:19 & 20). The writer is speaking of a hope that is no mere wish, but a "sure and steadfast anchor of the soul." Confidence. Much like a weighty diaper, my feelings can stink. I need a soul confidence that is anchor-like. The writer says "we have this...." The "this" that we (Christians) have is the inheritance of the promises of God (Heb. 6:12). And "this" is partly my soul's anchor.

I say "partly" because we don't just inherit a paycheck from Grandpa God. The writer speaks of a "hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain." This is an allusion to the ancient Hebrew temple. The "inner place behind the curtain" was known as the Holy of Holies. Only once a year was anyone allowed to go "behind the curtain." And not just anyone, but only the High Priest--and only if he had purified himself adequately. He entered "behind the curtain" to offer a sacrifice on behalf of the whole Hebrew people to God to atone for their sins. Yet, we see Jesus has taken up perpetual residence "behind the curtain." Not only that, but he is "a forerunner on our behalf." Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not only did Jesus atone for our sins, but we also have constant access to the presence of God through Jesus, our high priest.

So, my Christianity is based on something more than my feelings, which like my 21 month old daughter, are at times all over the place and bouncing off walls. My Christianity, my faith is firmly anchored in Jesus, who has redeemed and reconciled me to God. May I constantly live "behind the curtain" with Jesus in the presence of God.