Behind the Veil by Janet Fichter

Behind The Veil by Janet Fichter

(an excerpt from my book, The Ministry of the Unveiled Face)

“Behold, you are beautiful, my love, behold, you are beautiful! Your eyes are doves behind your veil.” (Song of Solomon 4:1a)

David could not take his eyes off Lauren as she gracefully walked down the aisle of the sanctuary. How he longed to see her face, now shadowed by a delicate lace veil. He knew her beauty, of course, but he yearned to gaze at her sparkling eyes and sweet smile. Having chosen a more traditional wedding, the couple valued the symbolism of removing the veil, which promised to be a lifelong reminder of the moment they committed to cherish each other forever. The ceremony progressed, and as he took in every moment the anticipation challenged his patience. His best man had to gently nudge him once to stop shifting his weight back and forth. Finally, the minister announced, “You may kiss your bride”. He gently lifted the veil, and the longed-for intimacy enhanced by this symbolic moment propelled them toward a new and transformed life of togetherness.

Traditional weddings include this cherished ritual of unveiling the bride’s lovely face. In an instant, the intimacy of marriage is birthed. The husband and wife walk hand in hand into an unknown future, knowing they will share good times, endure hardship, seek unity, and hold fast to each other day by day. The symbolism of this marital “unveiling” applies to one’s relationship with Jesus Christ as well; but in Christ, the unveiling is the moment of intimacy birthed when a person yields all he/she is to Him. Instead of the bride’s beauty being revealed, the bridegroom’s goodness is freely imparted. This spiritual unity transcends anything imaginable in the natural realm.

The Symbolism of the Veil

In the spiritual realm, the veil symbolizes an unseen covering that prevents a person from receiving and understanding the Kingdom of God. Like the bride’s veil, this supernatural covering is meant to be removed when a relationship with Christ begins. With the absence of the veil comes illumination and transformation as Jesus molds and makes us more like Him. We live out our lives in awe of and in devotion to the one who loves us eternally. We see more clearly, our thinking changes, and our choices are made from heaven’s perspective rather than our own natural inclinations. Indeed, our sinful, human nature is exchanged for a new nature. Like the husband and wife, we commit to serving and sacrificing for our cherished love, Jesus Christ.

The Bridegroom’s Love

In the Old Testament book, Song of Solomon, the intimacy of God’s love for his church is poetically portrayed in comparison to the tender love of marriage. In Chapter 2, the bride speaks about the voice of the bridegroom calling to her:

“Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away, for behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree ripens its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away. O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the crannies of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.” (Song of Solomon 2:10-14)

This analogy is purposeful as God calls all of us to the same intimacy and union. He invites us to come to a place where growth and fruit are abundant. There in the protected cleft of the rock the bridegroom holds his beloved’s face. What a picture of the love Christ has for all who yield to his call. His voice invites us to a place of refuge and an intimacy that acknowledges vulnerability. Not only is the bride’s innocence and beauty a joy to the bridegroom, but the illumination of the bridegroom’s goodness brings an unimaginable peace and security to the bride. Is it any wonder then, why the Apostle Paul addresses the removal of the veil as a transformative moment when the glory of our Lord is imparted to the soul of the one who receives Him?

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” –2 Corinthians 3:18

And even now, the bridegroom extends a hand to all who wish to enter into this intimacy. He has made a way for us to know hope and love like we’ve never known. The beauty of God’s goodness lies behind a veil that currently shields our spiritual sight and understanding. It is only by accepting Christ’s invitation that we will come to see what lies behind the veil.

NOTE:

If you would like to know Jesus more intimately (so many just know of him, but don’t personally know him), you can pray the below prayer, start reading your Bible (begin with the gospel of John) and reach out to a Christian church to find out more if you prefer).

Here’s a prayer you can pray: Lord Jesus, I want to know more about you. I want to experience this close intimate relationship that so many speak of. I now humble my pride and invite you to be the Lord of my life from this day forward. Please forgive me for my sins. Help me see your goodness and glory. Help me see what lies behind the veil that has kept me from knowing and understanding you. In your name, I pray. Amen.

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