a rending

Notes from "The Pursuit of God" by A.W. Tozer

Tozer describes the two veils in the tabernacle of God. From the outer court the worshipper enters through the first veil into the Holy Place. The second veil takes him into the Holy of Holies, into the very presence of God. Tozer remarks, "Though the worshipper has enjoyed so much [in the Holy Place, the first veil], still he had not yet entered the presence of God." Lord, how true it is that believers--that I--linger in the presence of a crucified Christ, enjoying the honeymoon period, alternatingly walking between the outer courts and the Holy Place, basking under the golden candlestick-Jesus, the Light of the world, and eating the showbread-the Bread of Life. This veil is necessary, yes, but not the end! Jesus came to rend the veil between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies, so that we could enter confidently into the presence of the Lord. "God wills that we should push on into his presence and live our whole life there."

Tozer states that it is our self-life, our flesh that holds us in the outer courts, unable to pass through the veil because we have chosen not to be crucified. Lord, crucify me! that i may die to myself, my self love and flesh, and live with you, in all your ravishing fullness, in the very presence of your Holiness! Leave me not at the entrance, but finish the crucifying work in me. I am unable to rend this myself... only You, Lord, can nail me to my Lord's cross.