A new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body. (Heb. 10:20)
Expanded Passage: Hebrews 10:20
In Southern Africa, many Africans revere their ancestors who have died. As spiritual beings, these ancestors are believed to be intermediaries between the human and the spirit realms. They are seen to be the means, or “curtain,” for communicating with God. To appease the amadlozi (ancestral spirits), the practice of veneration includes ceremonial rituals which include drumming, dancing, and making offerings.
Many Africans also believe that humans are not allowed to enter into the presence of God. They can only make their needs known to him by going through the ancestral spirits, who will then do the communicating for them. The challenge is that, if the amadlozi do not feel they have been treated properly, they can decide not to present the needs of the people to God.
When I read the words of Hebrews 10:20 to Sonny Makusha, he asked, “Are you telling me that Jesus Christ is that curtain?”
When I answered that he is, Sonny sat in silence, reflecting. “Does this mean that I do not have to go through the amadlozi but can have direct contact with God?”
When I told him that he was correct, he got excited. “I want to go through the curtain that is Jesus Christ!”
What a blessing it is to know that Jesus is sitting at God’s right hand interceding for you and me!
Celebrate that Jesus is the only intermediary to God that you need.
Jim “Umfundisi” Lo is a retired professor from Indiana Wesleyan University, cross-cultural leader, intercessor, and author of several books published by Wesleyan Publishing House.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
