Why Did Moses Wear a Mask? 2 Corinthians 3

 12 Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13 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. 14 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. 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate[a] the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

One of the big issues during the COVID pandemic is the wearing of masks.  We have been asked to wear masks to help spread the stop of the COVID virus.  Some people wear masks, some people don't.  In the Old Testament, after Moses met with God, his face was shining so much with the glory of the Lord he had to wear a veil.  Because of the awesomeness of the Lord, Moses shining face might cause the Israelites fear. Why?

Why were they scared? Not only because that shine was supernatural and out of the norm of their experience, they were afraid because the supernatural shine showed them how mighty and pure and powerful God is — and how sinful, impure and depraved they were compared to God’s perfection. Remember when they begged not to hear the voice of God at Mount Sinai? (Ex. 20:19) It was the same kind of fear as that. (Barbara Roberts)

Then Paul uses the metaphor of a veil to teach that when people merely hear the Law, there is a veil over their hearts.  The veil separates them from God.  But when someone turns to Christ the veil has been taken away.  Just like the veil in the temple was needed to separate the priests from God's holy presence, the veil over people's hearts prevents them from experiencing God's love in Christ.  

But we all remember on Good Friday that after Jesus died, the temple veil was torn in two symbolizing that Jesus had brought us into God's presence by his sacrificial death for our sin.  And when we turn to Christ, we come into God's presence and experience the power of the Holy Spirit.  Just like Moses' face shone with the Lord's glory when he came into contact with God, when we have the veil of unbelief taken from us we are filled with the Holy Spirit.  

Why is that so important?  It is the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives that transforms our lives from the inside out.  The Law could never change us.  Trying harder to be a better person could never change us.  New year's resolutions could never change us.  The only thing that can change us is the power of God in our lives through the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit gives us freedom to live in God's presence and carry out God's commands.  

As we live our lives empowered by the Holy Spirit, Paul says that we are transformed in ever increasing glory to be more like Jesus.  So how do we truly change? Spend more time in God's presence.  Contemplate his glory and bask in his presence.  Read his Word which reveals His glory in Christ.  Pray and allow the Holy Spirit to communicate and commune with God. 

How much time do you spend with God?  Do you notice the changes in your life when you spend more time with God?  Though you will never be perfect do you see changes in your life reflective of your relationship and contact with God?  





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