He put a veil over his face

Exodus 34:32-33 Afterward all the people of Israel came near, and he commanded them all that the Lord had spoken with him in Mount Sinai. And when Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face.

Do you wear a veil over your face?  Not many of us actually do, although it is a common practice for a bride to wear a veil that covers her face until the Pastor pronounces the couple as husband and wife. But most of us do not wear a veil. At least not one which is easily discernible as a veil. But how many will hide our faith? It can be a case of being a visible Christian when you walk in the door of the church. But, once you walk out, people have a hard time recognizing you as Christians. Does your language change to a whole new vocabulary that one would not recognize as Christian in nature?  Does your life style change once you leave the church to one that is at odds with the life style of a Christian?  How do you treat others you encounter? Do you treat them with love and respect, of hate and derision?

The veil Moses used to cover his face was one that altered his appearance so it would not be so alarming to others. His face, shining from talking to God, alarmed others.  We can be tempted to also wear a veil to cover our own face, which may shine from talking to God. And while our physical appearance may not change like Moses’ face did, we are changed nonetheless. And this can be concerning to others. The mere fact that we are a follower of Jesus Christ can cause others to reject us. We are different from them. We do not fit the mold of the modern world-view. We are perceived as standing for what is considered antiquated and out of place in the “enlightened society” we live in today. And there can be a big temptation to try to fit in. Please don’t try to fit in. Please remember that you and I are in fact different. Different is not bad, it is just not the same as others. Our faith is important. Jesus is important. And maintaining our faith in the face of others who ask us to abandon our faith requires asking for more faith. And this we all do in prayer. We ask for faith to stand up and be heard when others around us tell us to sit down and be quiet. We ask for faith to have the courage to reach out to others who do not have faith in Jesus Christ. We ask for faith to share the love of Christ with those who may think they do not need that love, or think they do not deserve that love. Brothers and Sister in the Risen Savior, please do not put a veil over your faith. Others need to see the real you. Let the love of Christ radiate brightly from you to all who would gaze upon your face.

PRAYER: Lord Your love reaches out to all. Your Son, our Savior, offers all who would come the freedom over death that awaits all sinners. And all have sinned, not one is worthy except through Jesus Christ. Father, help us to share that news with a world that tells us to hide our faith. Help us to stand up and be heard when the world would have us sit down and be quiet. Pour out Your Spirit upon us today and everyday. We ask this in the name of Jesus, Amen.