So when I started reading Genesis, I also started reading Matthew. Today I finished the Gospel of St. Matt, reading the last few chapters of the trial, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I was moved, again. Then I went to read Genesis 37, and I noticed something similar–everyone was tearing their clothes.
“And Reuben[…] rent his clothes.” (Gen.37:29)
“And Jacob rent his clothes” (Gen.37:34)
“And the high priest rent his clothes” (Matt.26:65)
and finally,
“behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom” (Matt.27:51)
Now, both Joseph and Jesus are in a similar situation. They were sold by their brothers (Jesus by Judas), but while Joseph only suffered a symbolic death in the eyes of his father, Jesus was in reality killed. But, as I’m writing this, perhaps we could say that Jesus death was a temporary thing in the eyes of His Father, it did not last long. But it changed the world.
Either way, in both of these stories, the emotions run high, and people are ‘rending’ their clothes. This is an outward gesture of how one feels inside, and is literally bearing the chest where the emotions would metaphorically be. And some, like Joseph and Jesus, have their clothes taken from them, being almost naked.
And then there is the whole renting of the temple veil in two. Again, an outward symbol of what the death and resurrection of Jesus has bought us: access to God.
19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Following Christ, we may come boldly before the throne of God. We are not worthy, but He who is worthy has bought our admission price, washing our feet, cleaning us in His own blood.
There are different reasons for bearing our souls, for rending our clothes, exposing ourselves. But God rent His clothes when the veil was rent, He exposed Himself to His children through Jesus Christ. Maybe it’s time we went before God and bared our souls, rent our clothes.
I did this once, actually ‘rent’ my clothes when I prayed one time. I have this tendencies to try and act out what the prophets and people did in the Bible, just to see what it is like. I have gone into mountains to pray, rent my clothes, sang for the Lord and praised Him, tried to walk on water (felt a little of what Peter must have when he started to sink), even dance. These have all been private actions, but I’m trying to expand my experience and my communication with God.
I’m not saying go out and rip up your favorite shirt, or that you even need to do this. Rending your clothes is just an outward gesture of what’s going on inside. What I am suggesting is that you open yourself up to God. If you’re angry, let Him know. If you’re sad, let Him comfort you. If you’re happy, praise Him. There is no need to close ourselves off from God, not when He has opened Himself to us.
Go, pray, bear your soul. Let Him in.
Outcast of Israel 