There are many kinds of veils spoken of in the scriptures. Ecclesiastes 1:11 gives reference to a kind of veil of forgetfulness that we passed through before coming to Earth, for we have “no remembrance of former things.” When Moses spoke to the Children of Israel in Exodus 34:33-34 he wore a veil over his face. I believe this was symbolic of a kind of protection that he was passing on to the Children of Israel, for his people were not ready to receive all that Moses had been given of God. The veil then served to protect his people from being accountable of the greater things he had received. Paul then refers to this veil when speaking to the Corinthians, except instead of him wearing a veil, he says that the people have a “veil upon their heart” (2 Corinthians 3:13-18). However, Paul says that when the people would turn their hearts to Christ, the veil would be taken away. 

I believe that we all begin with a kind of veil on our minds and our hearts, like the Children of Israel, I think we are given this as a kind of protection. Therefore we are only held accountable for what we know, and for what bit of light we have received, for where much is given much is expected. I’m thankful for the Lord’s tender mercy in starting us out this way, so that we may grow line upon line. However, I think we all reach a point in which we yearn for more, and we desire the Lord to impart more to us from beyond the veil. And I believe as Paul instructed, that as we turn our hearts to Christ, the veil is taken off a piece at a time. Until as Paul witnessed,

“For now we see through a glass (veil) darkly; but then face to face: now I know even as also I am known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12) 

We can come to know God and Christ as well as they know us – what a beautiful thing to hope for and strive for. May we all have the faith to raise our veils a little higher, and a little higher.

12″x 16″ oil on panel