Center for Creative Ministry A research organization and research center for Seventh-day Adventist pastors and their congregations
Jesus Opens the Way Through the Veil
As Putin’s invasion of Ukraine proceeds, many are surprised that Russia’s supposed powerhouse military has not yet been able to capture the country within the first week of combat. Although some speculate that the capability of the Russian military had been overinflated, and that Ukraine is excelling with foreign support, people worldwide–including Russia’s major general–are claiming that it is due to the spirit of the Ukrainians.
Desperate to protect their nation and inspired by President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine citizens have been forming human shields around Russian conveys, even forcing some tanks to retreat.
This is not the first time human shields have been used as an act of defiance and defense. We even find a similarity in the Bible to the Ukrainians who veil their cities from evil. As we see in the book of Numbers, the Levites were positioned around the tabernacle and testimony as a human shield against the invasion of the Israelites.
Of course, the veil between the Holy Place and Most Holy Place kept Israelites from the face of God, and this was designed for their own safety. When Jesus died and the veil was torn, we were gifted with the opportunity to eventually see God face-to-face. Additionally, Jesus replaced the veil, becoming the Intercessor and Judge.
If the world is ready to rally around President Zelensky who has courageously stared down the face of danger, then how much more can and should we be inspired to follow the life of Jesus, who died for the sins of the whole world, and has become our veil against spiritual danger?
For Reflection
Connecting: Consider the Western concept of veils and how they compare and contrast to the veil Jesus has parted.
Sharing: Even though Jesus parted the veil, we often set up our own veils that prevent us from seeing God’s face. What veil(s) do you need the Spirit to lift from your eyes?
- My doubt that a sinner like me could be accepted by a great God
- My doubt in the existence of a loving God
- My inflated ego
- My idols (money, family, love, addictions, and any other things you may obsess over)
- My fear regarding the present state of the world
- Other:
Applying: It’s normal for us to pray for the physical safety of those involved in turmoil like we are seeing between the Ukraine and Russia, but often we forget to pray for their spiritual well-being. Over the course of the war and its aftermath, make it a daily habit to ask the Spirit to soften their hearts and that they are open to accepting Jesus as Saviour.
