Understanding Only by Believing

Scripture: Not only Moses’ face was veiled, but his people’s minds and understanding were veiled and blinded too. Even now when the Scripture is read it seems as though Jewish hearts and minds are covered by a thick veil, because they cannot see and understand the real meaning of the Scriptures. For this veil of misunderstanding can be removed only by believing in Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:14

Observation: While the law is clear in how it informs right behavior, understanding of the law still requires someone to connect with the Lord. As Paul knows, the Jews now failed to do this. They struggled with it even when Moses was with them, and in later times had lost all understanding of the law. In fact, Paul knows this too well ... as a Pharisee himself, Paul was one of the people who studied the law explicitly in order to find fault in human behavior, and to correct everyone in how they act.

Paul describes this lack of understanding of scriptures as a veil. One can still see through a veil, however the image is blurred and imperfect. This is just how Paul the Pharisee saw the law. He knew it and learned it and structured his life based upon it, but didn't understand its true meaning and purpose. He did not see its intended value. This changed overnight when Paul met Jesus, and by believing in Christ he was immediately able to find a new truth in the law.

Application: There are non-believers who now fight against God's law - perhaps not even knowing it is God's law they resist - because they cannot see any value in it. While regrettable, this is normal, for even the Jews who directly received the law did not understand and value it. It is only be believing in salvation that anyone can find the truth about the law.

I myself am not sure I understand all of it. I know the value of obeying the Lord, but I do not know how to process some elements. Then again, as I try to figure out which laws I struggle to understand ... I find I do have resolution to them.

Yes, I fail to obey the law all the time. And yes, I see that some laws involved specific situations that applied to the Jews in the wilderness only. However, by the Lord's spirit, I also see how the law can improve my life, and how Jesus fulfilled ritual elements we may now claim for our close relationship with the Lord.

Prayer: Abba, please see me today. May my mind embrace your laws and find peace through obedience in your will for my words, actions, and thoughts. I desire your closeness. Amen.