2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 (NRSV)
Read 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 on biblegateway.com
Verse 12Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, Verse 13not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside. Verse 14But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside. Verse 15Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; Verse 16but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Verse 17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Verse 18And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.
Chapter 4Therefore, since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. Verse 2We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God's word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God.
Devotion
Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart.
Nothing discourages me quite as much as hearing caring, mature, earnest Christians bemoan the evil of the world in which we live. "The devil is growing in power.” "There is no hope, but to die and go to heaven.” It is even more disheartening when their arguments come from people who are preaching in the name of Christ.
Jesus was nailed to a cross and died. For three days the devil danced at death’s victory, but then God raised his Son. The powers of sin, death and the devil were defeated. The powers of life and love won the victory. Why is it so hard for God’s children to believe? Sometimes it seems that there is a veil over our eyes.
We are engaged in this ministry by God’s mercy. We have good news to proclaim; what a privilege! My grandfather used to say, "If it was easy, anyone could do it."
Prayer
Lord, grant us joy and remind us of your victory over evil when we begin to lose heart. Amen.