When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had recently spoken with the Lord. So he covered his face before those who saw him.
But when Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he took the vail off, until he came out. And when he came out and spoke to the children of Israel that which he had commanded him.
And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face was illuminated: and Moses put the vail upon his face again until he went in to speak with him. Exodus 34:35
Moses was required to wear a mask or as the Bible explains a veil over his face. With the spread of COVID 19, we are also required to wear a mask for the protection of others.
Why was Moses required to wear a mask? After meeting God on the mountain, he returned with the commandments of the Lord for the people. And notably, his face was illuminating the glory of God. So much so that he had to mask his entire face. Was Moses trying to protect those around him from the glory of God? The glow on the face of Moses was living proof that he had an encounter with God.
Currently, we are being asked to wear masks so that we can prevent the spread of the virus, and in so doing we attempt to protect ourselves and others. Moses's face was masked because the illuminating glory of God was shining out from him. It was not to protect Moses or the people. It was because God's glory had shone brightly to the point it was difficult to stare on Moses's face.
If we gaze at the brilliance of the sun, it will affect our eyes, but the sun's brilliance is necessary for life on earth. The same goes for the glory of God gleaming from the face of Moses. It was indisputable evidence that God had spoke to Moses and he had witnessed the presence of the Almighty.
Behind the masks we wear today, are people loved by God and uniquely made in His image. When we look beyond the veil we will see the face of God.
Pastor Richard