Let Christ's light shine
Switzerland is a beautiful country with lakes, mountains and valleys. On some days the mountains are covered by a fog that penetrates deep into the valleys. The country has a certain charm on such days, but its full beauty cannot be seen. On other days, when the power of the rising sun has lifted the mist-shrouded veil, the whole landscape can be viewed in a new light and from a different perspective. Now the snow-capped mountains, green valleys, thundering waterfalls and emerald-colored lakes can be viewed in all their glory.
This reminds me of the following scripture: “But their minds were hardened. For to this day that veil remains over the old covenant when read from it; it is not revealed because it is dealt with in Christ. But if he turns back to the Lord, the veil is taken off" (2. Kor 3,14 and 16).
Paul was carefully instructed by Gamaliel “in the law of our fathers.” Paul explains how he sees himself in relation to the law: “I was circumcised on the eighth day, a man of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee according to the law, a persecutor of the church according to zeal, but blameless according to the righteousness required by the law.” (Phil 3,5-6).
He explained to the Galatians: “I did not receive this message from a man, nor was I taught it by a man; no, Jesus Christ himself revealed it to me.” (Gal 1,12).
Now, enlightened by the risen Son of God, who lifted the veil over Paul, Paul saw the Law and the entire biblical landscape in a new light and from a different perspective. He now saw that the conception of Abraham's two sons, Hagar and Sarah, in the Book of Genesis, has a higher, symbolic meaning, signifying that the old covenant had ended and the new covenant had been established. He speaks of two Jerusalems. Hagar represents the Jerusalem of the first century, a city subjugated by the Romans and under the rule of the Law. Sarah, on the other hand, corresponds to the Jerusalem above; she is the mother of grace. He equates the birth of Isaac with that of Christians. Isaac was a child of promise, just as every believer is supernaturally reborn. (Gal 4,21-31)He saw that the promises given to Abraham were inherited through faith in Christ. “Through him (Jesus), God says yes to all his promises. At his prompting, we therefore say Amen to the glory of God. God has set us and you on this firm foundation: on Christ.” (2. Kor 1,20-21)Despite his earlier views on the law, he now saw that the Scriptures (the Law and the Prophets) revealed a righteousness from God apart from the law: “But now the righteousness of God has been revealed apart from the law, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets. I am speaking of the righteousness from God that comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” (Römer 3,21-22)Now he understood that the Gospel is the good news of God's grace.
The Old Testament is by no means outdated, but like Paul, we Christians should understand and interpret it in the light of the risen Son of God, Jesus Christ. As Paul wrote: “But everything that is uncovered is revealed in the light for what it really is. Moreover, everything that has been revealed is part of the light. Therefore it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’” (Eph 5,13-14).
It is a joyful surprise for you to experience this new way of looking at Jesus. Suddenly an expanded perspective opens up to you, because Jesus will illuminate a hidden corner of your heart with enlightened eyes through his word and often also through those around you. These can be personal quirks or difficulties that make it difficult to live with your neighbors and that do not serve the glory of God at all. Here, too, Jesus is able to lift the veil off you. He wants you to face reality with a clear view and change that which clouds your view and strains your relationships with others and with him.
Let Christ shine on you and let him remove the veil. Your life and the world will look completely different through the glasses of Jesus, as you could never imagine.
Eddie Marsh
