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
What would it be like to be in the very presence of God? That was our question in Monday's devotion. One can only imagine, we said. But that was not quite true. Something has happened for us since the time of Moses who had to cover his face because of the powerful presence of God. And his name is Jesus. Paul tells us that in Christ Jesus the veil of God's presence has been set aside for good. In Christ we can know the new freedom that is ours through the power of the Spirit who dwells with us. Through the Spirit's presence we now see the glory of God as we are each day being transformed by the Spirit's work among us. To be confidently engaged in acts of mercy and forgiveness—these are the marks of God’s true word in our ministry as God’s people.
Prayer
God of Mercy and Truth, we give thanks that you have revealed your presence and power in the gift of Jesus Christ, our Lord. May the power of his Spirit continue to transform our lives in love and service as images of your presence. Amen.