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
Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians brings us back to Moses and the reflection of God’s glory. Paul is using the story of the veil to differentiate between the old and new covenants with God. The shabbat candle stick not only featured a shining Moses, but he carried two tablets with the commandments of God. Paul tells us that we cannot approach God through the law. “But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.” (16) Another word for turning to the Lord is to repent. Paul goes on to state that we see the glory of the Lord, and it is transforming us, and engaging us in the Lord’s ministry. Therefore, we are to boldly proclaim God’s word in truth. It is in the proclaiming of God’s truth that glory is shown. It is in proclaiming God’s word that we help others to see God’s glory.
Prayer
Dear Lord, find us, come to us, speak to us, that we might speak and carry out your work. Amen.
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