2 Corinthians 3:12-17 (NIV)
Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
In this passage, Paul is referring to the history in Exodus 34:29-35. When Moses came from communing with God, his face glowed with a supernatural light that was a reflection of God’s own glory. As he gave God’s words to the Israelites, the light on his face lent credibility to what he was saying.
But between times of his communion with God, the light of His glory would fade from Moses’ face. So, to keep the Israelites from seeing the glory fade away, Moses would cover his face with a thick veil. That way his perceived status among the Israelites would not fade along with the glory on his face.
Paul likens that thick veil to the spiritual veil that seemed to him to remain between the hearts of the Jewish people and God’s divine word. Even though they could hear and understand the language of the Scriptures, which spoke clearly about the Messiah, the true meaning was hidden from their hearts. But they were not without hope, because whenever someone comes to the Lord, they receive spiritual life, their eyes are opened, and the veil that covers their hearts is removed.
Moses received a temporary glory from his encounters with God, a glory which quickly faded with time and distance. But those who come to God through faith in Jesus have a different experience entirely. Instead of having to enter God’s presence, God’s presence enters into them and takes up residence in them through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Thus, God’s glory never fades from their hearts and their lives.
This persistent glory is not shown by a light in the face, but through the transformation of the person’s heart and life into the image and likeness of Jesus, a transformation that is the birthright of every believer. And, since it never fades, but continues to grow from glory to glory as the believer matures, God’s people need never be ashamed of showing their true face to the world, a world that groans out of longing for that divine light.
Father, thank You for this testimony of what You truly do in the hearts of those who come to You for salvation. It is disappointing to me, and I’m sure it is to You, too, to see so many Christians whose lives are so like those of the people to the world that their lives contradict their testimony. Help all of us to open our hearts entirely to the presence of your Holy Spirit so that He can fill every part of us and transform our hearts and our lives, so that Your glory can shine in and through us unrestrained. Amen.