When One Turns to The Lord The Veil is Removed

II Corinthians 3:12–18
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The Bible is basically a picture book as it uses illustration after illustration of real-life situations to get across to us Biblical principles of life. In this passage we find Paul using the experience of Moses given in Exodus 34:29-35. It tells how Moses’ face shone, reflecting the glory of God when he came down from communing with God. However, Moses knew that the glory (just like the Old Testament covenant) would fade away, so he put on a veil. This prevented them from seeing the glory disappear; for after all, who wants to follow a leader who is losing his glory? It also concealed the Law, which had just been given, because the people were not ready to be told that this system was only temporary. Their minds are blinded to the finished work of Christ, and it is as though the veil upon Moses’ face still blinds their hearts (v. 14). 

Not only is there a veil which keeps the Jews from seeing the real meaning of Scripture; but there is also a veil which comes between them and God.  Sometimes it is the veil of disobedience. Very often it is moral and not intellectual blindness which keeps us from seeing God. If we persist in disobeying Him, we become less and less capable of seeing Him. Sometimes it is the veil of the unteachable spirit. The best teacher on earth cannot teach the man who knows it all and does not wish to learn. God gave us a free will, and, if we insist upon our own way, we cannot learn His way. In the Old Covenant when Moses entered the Lord’s presence, he removed his veil (Exodus 34:34). In the same sense when a Jew (or anyone) turns to the Lord, he must understand, and the veil will be removed (v. 16). Then, just as Moses reflected the glory of God, you and I may radiate the glory of God (v. 18). The glory of the Law faded away, but the glory of God’s grace continues in our lives. 

Application

Is there some area of my life where I still wear a veil? Am I continuing in the old way when I know that all things are to become new? I need to ask the Holy Spirit to remove the veil.