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
In our Exodus reading for Monday, I invited us to ponder how Moses veiled his face to hide God's glory from Israel's gaze. In Paul's letter to the Corinthians he speaks of a greater glory in the life-giving Spirit. God's love is unveiled through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, fulfilling both law and promise. Paul shares that when one turns to the Lord, a veil is removed. The Holy Spirit is given. Our vision focuses clearly on the glory of the Lord. We not only see with new eyes but are transformed from one degree of glory to another. We behold God's mercy and love for us and our neighbor.
For this reason Paul encourages us to not lose heart. The ministry of the gospel unveils our sins. We renounce them and then can announce with boldness God's unveiled holiness and the forgiveness God offers to all.
Prayer
Holy and Mighty God, unveil your truth so we may see your glory in the face of Jesus Christ. Amen.