Scripture
16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Reflection
When we read today’s verses, we need to understand them within the context of the Ten Commandments that was given by God to Moses. By reading 2 Corinthians 3: 7-18, we understand these verses much clearer.
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the tablets of the Ten Commandments, his face was so radiant that the people were afraid to approach him and hence Moses had to put a veil over his face (Ex. 34:29–30). However, we read in 2 Corinthians 3:7 how the Old Covenant ministry of Moses (the Ten Commandments) brought (spiritual) death to people. It was not the fault of the Law, which was “holy, righteous, and good” (Rom. 7:12 and 1 Tim. 1:8). It was the fault of human sin (Rom. 7:10–11). Still, even this ministry of death had a glory, though transitory and fading (2 Cor. 3:11, 13). But the New Covenant’s glory is an everlasting glory and the only way to experience and receive this everlasting glory is through the work of the Holy Spirt who removes the spiritual veil from people’s eyes. This glory is the experience of salvation available in the New Covenant and mediated by the Spirit who leads Christians from justification through sanctification to glorification.
As we start to manifest the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22–23), we are progressively being transformed (or sanctified) into Jesus’ likeness. Christlikeness is the goal of the Christian walk (Eph. 4:23–24; Col. 3:10). How have you become more like Christ over this past year?
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit. You can pray, “Come Holy Spirit”. Meditate on the Word of God from Psalm 27:1, The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?
