Image from christianglobe.com
Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, not 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. But 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. Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And 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.Therefore, since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. We 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. (2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2)
For over twenty years now, I have had the same wonderful eye doctor, Dr. Richard Evans of San Antonio. He is kind, gentle man who loves God and daily shares a devotional thought as well. He is an active member of University United Methodist Church, and his faith shines through his practice. I love seeing Dr. Evans because of two things, 1) He does not weigh me before seeing me, and 2) I feel no threat of having to face an injection after my visit. (I'm still praying that never happen!). But the one thing I do endure is the dilation of my eyes. And I must say, that having had it done last week, that medicine has come a long way. The first time I felt like I would never see clearly again. Some years later a new rapid de-dilation medicine was introduced and more drops into the eyes sped up the return to normal. Now, it is a gentle return back to normal and with the free visors you can walk outside and drive and do whatever. I have to confess that I like to have fun with my bride; this year I was escorting her and saw the pavement had changed from concrete to a patch of gravel and asked, "Is this water we're about to step in?" And then I led her to a car that I knew was not ours, and tried to convince her that I needed her to drive.
Today's passage speaks of a spiritual veil that may be keeping us from understanding God's will for our lives correctly and that may also be keeping us from full service to God. It is the difference between reading the law of Moses and the grace that the Lord Jesus gives us while reading about Him. Paul says the veil is removed from our being blinded from the truth of God's love and purpose; Paul calls it freedom that we receive as we give ourselves to Jesus, and we are able to see the glory of the Lord and see even ourselves transformed more into the image of Christ to better serve Him. We also are led to renounce the shameful sins we have committed and try to hide, and commit ourselves to truth.
We, therefore, friends, have freedom to love and serve God. What is holding us back?
PRAYER: Thank You, loving God, for the un-veiling of our minds and spirits. Help us to see You more clearly and to love and serve You more freely. This we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
