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
Have you watched a toddler discover the wonders of a flashlight? They shine it in their own face; soon, a radiant smile breaks forth and their eyes sparkle with delight. However, they don’t keep the light to themselves. They shine it on other faces. They become abundantly joyful as they experience the reflected light that radiates from the faces around them.
We can experience this wondrous joy! If we look, we can see the Lord’s glory reflected from faces around us—faces that look similar to our own and faces that look different. Through God’s mercy, Christ transforms us from within and brings us closer to his image. In Christ’s image we can radiate light that shines even during life’s painful, treacherous travels. Therefore, we do “not lose heart” (v. 4:1). We have hope when we share Christ’s light with each other during our journeys together now and into eternity.
Prayer
Merciful God, guide us to see you in every person’s face. Help us share the radiance of your hope with all your children as we journey on earth and into your kingdom to come. Amen.