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
I’m confused. The veil over Moses’ new “normal” facial shine was to keep the Israelites from seeing that the glory of God reflected there was fading and returning to its old “normal.” It would make more sense that the veil would keep all from being blinded by the glare, like we would wear sunglasses on a bright shining day.
But there is more! The New Testament revelation of God is unveiled from our eyes and the fullness of God is reflected in Jesus as in a perfect mirror. This revelation is life-changing, redeeming and transforming!
One month before Valentine’s Day, the headline in the Twin Cities’ StarTribune Variety Section read: “Bridal Trends Unveiled.” What better image of God’s love unveiled than that of a joyful bride’s face as the veil is lifted to reflect the love God creates between two in marriage. From then on, God re-creates love that “trends” to the divine forever, we pray!
Prayer
Loving God, perfect the mirror of my face to reflect and reveal your divine love so that we never lose heart. Amen.