Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 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. 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. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts.
2 Corinthians 3:12-15

As a midgie, growing up in the 50’s, cartoons were every kid’s forte. An image I saw a lot on Looney Tunes was that of a guy wearing a black and white striped outfit with a black and white striped cap. And there was one other piece to his outfit. A ball and chain affixed to his ankle. The character was always one veiled with fun, but in real life, it is far too easy to find ourselves carrying that ball and chain behind us. Moving at all is tough. And that brings us to the veil referred to in the passage above.

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel — which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.” Galatians 1:6-7


Just what was that gospel; and how does it relate to the veil of II Corinthians 3? It is the need to adhere to the Law. Do this! Do that! If you do, God will smile upon you. But Jesus made it clear that it isn’t about our deeds. There are none righteous. It is about the condition of our hearts.

“If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.” Matthew 12:7

Mercy Not Sacrifice

The Galatians had been freed from that burden and were placing themselves right behind it once again. Get rid of that ball and chain. God remade you. Now you ARE good enough!! Jesus says so.

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”  John 8:36

by Bruce Hanson

 

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