Contemplative Bible Reading

2 Corinthians 3:16 (New Living Translation)

16 But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

The verses before this describe the lack of mental understanding and the lack of emotional feeling of God’s people as a veil. There was a veil that covered their minds and covered their hearts when the words of God were read.

It just didn’t sink in.

Ever had a bad headache? I mean a really bad headache—one that makes you just want to lie down, close your eyes, and cover your face with a pillow to block the light even on a dark night. Nothing anyone says or does means anything to you because your head hurts, and you can’t take in anything from anyone.

It seems that was like the veil described here. God’s people just didn’t absorb anything from God. They couldn’t as they had one of those debilitating headaches or something like it.

Then a person turns to God—actually looks to God and says, “Please Lord, I am listening now. Please teach me. Please bless me. Please.”

God removes the veil, the headache, the pain, the crushed spirit, the life buried in worry, the life covered with shame. There is a clear light. The words of God enter.

Life on earth probably doesn’t change. The rent is still due. Groceries still cost money. Your teenager still frets and worries you. There is, however, the greatest difference the universe has ever known—the veil is taken away and God’s word enters. Thank you God.