How a Biblical Metaphor Helps Make Sense of Modern Confusion
Have you ever looked at the news or scrolled through social media and felt like people just aren’t seeing things clearly? Maybe you notice a lot of confusion, arguments, or people missing what really matters. The Bible has a metaphor for this kind of thing: it talks about a “veil over the eyes.” It’s like there’s something covering our spiritual vision, making it hard to see deeper truths about life, faith, and what’s right.
What Does “The Veil” Mean in the Bible?
The idea of a “veil” appears in several places in the Bible. It’s not talking about a physical blindfold, but a kind of spiritual fog or blockage. People aren’t just unaware—they’re unable, or sometimes even unwilling, to understand or accept God’s message. This is what’s called “spiritual blindness.”
Paul’s Letters: The Veil Over the Heart
In the New Testament, Paul writes about this in his letters to the Corinthians. He says that when people read the old religious laws (the “old covenant”) without faith in Christ, it’s like a veil is over their hearts—they just can’t get the full picture. But, Paul explains, this veil comes off when someone turns to Jesus. Then, understanding and spiritual insight become possible.
The Gospel Veiled from Some
Paul also talks about how the “gospel”—the good news about Jesus—is sometimes hidden from people. He says there are even dark forces trying to keep people in the dark, blocking them from seeing the light and truth that Christ brings.
Isaiah: Old Testament Warnings About Blindness
Even before Paul, the prophet Isaiah wrote about this kind of blindness. He described people whose hearts were hardened and eyes shut, making them unable to turn to God and be healed. Sometimes, this blindness is because people are stubborn or don’t want to change.
Can the Veil Be Lifted?
The message isn’t all doom and gloom. The Bible says the veil can be removed. How? By turning toward God with openness and humility. Paul says that when anyone turns to Jesus, the veil is taken away. The Holy Spirit, which is God’s presence with us, helps open our eyes so we can see and understand spiritual truths we couldn’t before.
· Turn to God: Admitting we don’t have all the answers and asking for help is a first step.
· Let the Holy Spirit work: It’s not just about trying harder. God’s Spirit helps us see what we can’t see on our own.
Why Does This Matter Now?
Today, there’s more information out there than ever, but it doesn’t always lead to more clarity. In fact, sometimes it feels like people are more confused, cynical, or divided. The Bible’s metaphor of the veil helps explain why: there’s more to life than just facts or opinions—sometimes, our hearts and minds need to be opened in a spiritual way.
The Bible invites us not just to complain about confusion and blindness, but to look for solutions. It calls us to ask God to take away whatever is covering our eyes—whether it’s doubts, pride, distractions, or just being too busy to think about deeper things.
Moving Forward With Clearer Vision
Let’s pray and hope for “unveiled eyes”—for ourselves, our families, and our communities. As we ask God for clarity, we can grow in wisdom, compassion, and a deeper understanding of what really matters. In times of uncertainty, faith can help us see the bigger picture and guide us toward truth and hope.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 