A veil is used to conceal or obscure to prevent others from seeing. Sometimes we may wear a veil or a mask because we don’t want people to see our weaknesses. At other times we may wear a veil because we’re reluctant to let others see the glory of God in our lives. After Moses’ encounter with God, he wore a veil over his face:

and are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face so that the sons of Israel would not look intently at the end of what was fading away. (2 Corinthians 3:13)

In this passage, the Apostle Paul made a distinction between the fading glory of the old covenant and the eternal glory of the new covenant:

But their minds were hardened; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed in Christ. But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart; but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. (2 Corinthians 3:14-16)

The old covenant of trying to keep the law was burdensome, whereas the new covenant brings freedom:

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (2 Corinthians 3:17)

How do we experience this freedom? It starts as we come to God with an open and unveiled face. An unveiled face indicates that we have no pretense and no hindrances preventing us from perceiving spiritual realities:

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

The word beholding conveys the idea of a steady gaze with the result that we reflect that which is seen. The amazing truth is that as we behold God, that we are able to reflect the image of Jesus Christ “from glory to glory”. We see that beholding leads to becoming. The Psalmist discovered this truth years ago:

They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces will never be ashamed. (Psalm 34:5)

Our transformation in becoming more like Jesus is an ongoing process that occurs as we continue to behold Him. Warren Wiersbe summarized this process, “When the people of God look into the Word of God and see the glory of God, the Spirit of God transforms them to be like the Son of God.” Helen Lemmel wrote the hymn, Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus to illustrate this truth:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace.

Do we realize the diverse ministry of the Holy Spirit? He is the one who converts us:

Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)

The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin:

And He, when He comes, will convict the world regarding sin, and righteousness, and judgment: (John 16:8)

He is our agent in sanctification:

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, (Titus 3:5)

The Holy Spirit is the One who guides us:

But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. (John 16:13)

The word used to refer to the Holy Spirit in the Gospel of John is Paraclete which literally means one called alongside; it is often translated as a comforter, helper, or advocate. We may lament the fact that Jesus is not with us, but Jesus made this astounding declaration:

But I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I am leaving; for if I do not leave, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. (John 16:7)

The word advantage conveys the idea of being beneficial or profitable. May we believe the words of Jesus and not neglect the incredible ministry of the Holy Spirit.