Paul is teaching about the children of Israel under Moses and shows us how “their minds were BLINDED. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is TAKEN AWAY IN CHRIST. But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. Nevertheless when ONE TURNS TO THE LORD, the veil is TAKEN AWAY (the blindness is healed). Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, THERE IS LIBERTY. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are BEING TRANSFORMED into the same image from GLORY TO GLORY, just as BY THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD.” (2 Corin. 3:14-18)
Why are the Jewish people blinded JUSTIN? “When the Jews had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ…the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and DESTROY JESUS. The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!” Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “LET HIM BE CRUCIFIED!” (Matt. 27:17, 20-22) After all that hatred toward Jesus, “…THEY CRUCIFIED HIM, dividing His garments, casting a lot; so that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, “They parted My garments among them, and they cast a lot for My clothing.” (Matt. 27:35) That same hatred and unbelief exists today, that’s why when we are “…caught up together with them (the dead in Christ) in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. And so we shall ever be with the Lord.” (1 Thess. 4:17) The Jews will be left to GO THROUGH the tribulation because they REJECTED the Lord Jesus Christ.
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham