And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.

Matthew 27:51

God often starts His biggest work by breaking things. When Jesus died, the massive temple curtain ripped in half. This wasn't a small tear but a complete split from the top all the way down. The curtain was enormous—about sixty feet tall and very thick. No person could have torn it this way, especially from the top down. This was God's doing.

When God tears something down, He plans to build something better. The Bible shows this pattern many times. Noah saw the whole world flooded before God made a new start. Abraham had to leave his homeland before becoming the father of many nations. Joseph's life fell apart before he rose to save his people. The torn curtain meant the old way of worship was over, and a new way to approach God had begun.

Big breakthroughs often require breaking through barriers. In 1517, Martin Luther nailed his list of complaints to the door of a church, marking the beginning of the Reformation. This shook up the church but eventually helped people connect with God more directly. Just like that, the torn temple curtain did more than expose the sacred room—it revealed that God no longer wanted to be kept behind barriers.

The curtain's name in Hebrew, "paroketh," means "separation." This thick fabric stood between sinful people and God's perfect holiness. For over a thousand years, this curtain reminded everyone that sin created distance from God. When it tore, God was making a clear statement—the separation was over, the barrier was gone, and a new relationship with Him had begun. Come in freely!

When God disrupts your life, it's never without purpose. When familiar patterns, comfortable situations, or long-held beliefs get torn apart, it hurts. It's natural to resist when God starts taking apart what feels safe. But these painful tearings often lead to closer connection with Him. Personally, I've seen this happen many times in my life. The real question isn't whether God will test things in your life, but whether you'll trust Him when He does.

Godseekers, what curtains is God tearing in your life right now? Are painful changes preparing you for something better? Are your plans being ripped apart to make way for God's better ones? What barriers of tradition, comfort, or fear is God tearing down to bring you closer to Him?

Prayer

Dear God, I admit that I often fear change and cling to what's familiar, even when it keeps me from growing closer to You. Thank You for tearing the curtain that kept us apart, even though it came at such a high cost. Give me the courage to accept the necessary changes in my life, trusting that when You tear something down, You have plans to build something better. Help me see Your purpose in every disruption. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Personal Reflection

• What "curtains" in my life might God be trying to tear down that I've been trying to keep in place?
• How might my resistance to God's disruptive work be limiting what He wants to do in my life?

Step of Faith

Today, I will identify one area where I've resisted God's work of change and give it up to Him, trusting His plan even when it hurts.