Lifting the Veil

Sunday our pastor was preaching from Matthew's account of Jesus being transfigured on the mountain.  As he showed the comparison between the event with Jesus and when Moses was on the mountain meeting with God, one thing jumped out at me.  When Moses came down from the mountain his face was glowing and they asked him to wear a veil to shield their eyes from the glory of God radiating from his face, but Jesus did not wear a veil.  I think the Israelites were afraid to look at Moses because they knew that no one could see the full glory of God and be able to live, so they were afraid this reflection of God's glory could possibly be deadly as well!  But when Jesus radiates (not just reflects) glory, it is uncovered, and he says to those with him, "Do not fear."

Saturday I was at a wedding.  There is a tradition at some weddings where the bride will cover her face with a veil and it is only at the end of the wedding, after the marriage promises have been made, that her husband lifts the veil to reveal her full beauty.  I feel like this also ties in to what I am about to share with you.

Last night I was watching videos of Sean Feucht and the revivals taking place all across the country as he leads what is called, "Let Us Worship" and thousands of people show up to pray and worship Jesus. Ever since the beginning of the pandemic I've been praying for these hard times to lead into a revival.  The last pandemic that happened was in the late 60's.  At that time there were also protests and riots centering around racism and inequality, and there were divisions and protests over the Vietnam war.  That's also when many people turned to Christ in the "Jesus Movement".  Seeing the similarities to the times we are living in now, I have been believing for a similar movement of God, for a revival to happen in our nation and around the world.

Then I woke up in the middle of the night last night with this verse on my mind, "We, with unveiled faces, reflect the glory of the Lord," (2 Corinthians 3:18) and I had been dreaming about people turning their hearts over to God. I knew the verse was connected to people being saved. It is only when we fully reflect Jesus that people will see God's glory and turn to him with their whole hearts.  As I returned to sleep, I had one question on my mind and I drowsily asked God, "How do we remove the veil?  What are the 'veils' that are keeping us from reflecting Christ to the world?"

I didn't receive an answer yet.  But maybe that's a question each one of us needs to ask ourselves.  How am I veiling the Lord's glory?  How am I hiding the wonder and amazement and goodness of God?  How can I shine the light of God to those around me?  How can I share hope and truth and freedom with others?  I know you've noticed just how desperately our world needs Jesus.  If you are ready to lean into this truth, and ready to embrace the ministry of glory that God has given to every one who has faith in Him, then I encourage you to read the verses below and to really let it sink in.  

2 Corinthians 3 (v. 7 & 8) Even the ministry that was characterized by chiseled letters on stone tablets [the 10 Commandments] came with a dazzling measure of glory, though it produced death. The Israelites couldn’t bear to gaze on the glowing face of Moses because of the radiant splendor shining from his countenance—a glory destined to fade away. Yet how much more radiant is this new and glorious ministry of the Spirit that shines from us!

 
(v. 11 - 13) The fading ministry came with a portion of glory, but now we embrace the unfading ministry of a permanent impartation of glory. So then, with this amazing hope living in us, we step out in freedom and boldness to speak the truth. We are not like Moses, who used a veil to hide the glory to keep the Israelites from staring at him as it faded away.  But the moment one turns to the Lord with an open heart, the veil is lifted and they see. Now, the “Lord” I’m referring to is the Holy Spirit, and wherever he is Lord, there is freedom.

(v.18) We can all draw close to him with the veil removed from our faces. And with no veil we all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus. We are being transfigured into his very image as we move from one brighter level of glory to another. And this glorious transfiguration comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

(Ch. 4 v. 1-6) Now, it’s because of God’s mercy that we have been entrusted with the privilege of this new covenant ministry. And we will not quit or faint with weariness. We reject every shameful cover-up and refuse to resort to cunning trickery or distorting the Word of God. Instead, we open up our souls to you by presenting the truth to everyone’s conscience in the sight and presence of God. Even if our gospel message is veiled, it is only veiled to those who are perishing, for their minds have been blinded by the god of this age, leaving them in unbelief. Their blindness keeps them from seeing the dayspring light of the wonderful news of the glory of Jesus Christ, who is the divine image of God. We don’t preach ourselves, but rather the lordship of Jesus Christ, for we are your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said,

“Let brilliant light shine out of darkness,” is the one who has cascaded his light into us—the brilliant dawning light of the glorious knowledge of God as we gaze into the face of Jesus Christ.  

(The Passion Translation)

I will say, that if we are mirrors, mirrors can only reflect that which is in front of them.  You can only be a reflection of Christ through continually keeping Christ in front of you.  Spend time with Jesus.  Gaze into his face.  Watch the light of Christ dawn brighter and brighter in you and share this glory and goodness with others.  Let the veil be lifted!

God Bless You,

Lisa