Growing in Glory

13We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. 14But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away.15Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate^a the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:13-18)

Thoughts: Exodus 34 records that Moses came down from meeting with God with his face glowing so brightly that the people made him put a veil over his face.  The veil is a way of keeping out light and glory.  Paul is saying that there is a filter that keeps out the light of God- the light of the Gospel.  Christ makes the glory of God clear and brings it down to our level. When we come to Christ, God's plan, love, and hope become clear to us.  The Spirit of the Lord gives freedom- freedom from the Law.  We are becoming better and better- growing in sanctification- heading toward the glory.  When we go to heaven we will behold the full glory of God and we ourselves will be changed.  Moses was changed with a glimpse of the glory.  But in heaven we will fully be changed.  

Prayer: Lord, help me to grow in glory.  Help me to glorify you more and more in my life- with my words and actions.  

2 Corinthians 3 (7/22/14)

4Such confidence we have through Christ before God. 5Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—...11And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!

12Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 

Thoughts: Where do you get your confidence?  It is not in and of ourselves. Our confidence is not based on our looks, our strength/health, our mental capacity.  God gives all of those things- and He also gives us confidence/faith in what will last.  If we are God's side, we work, not for temporary glory, but for eternal glory which lasts.  I have seen a little chihuahua have great confidence while a huge greyhound be as she as can be.  It is not the little dog in the fight that counts- but the fight in the little dog!  Christians do not need to be ashamed, embarrassed.  They are on the winning and right side- the side of the Maker- the side of the One who loves them.  The world needs to know the message that Christians have.  It is a message that can bring hope to the hopeless, strength to the weary, and love to the broken hearted.  It is a message that there is a cosmic and eternal forgiveness that enables us to escape the mistakes, failures, and mess-ups of the past.
      A couple of small things here.  Paul says that they are his letter.  Paul's credentials rest on their character.  They tell the world the message Paul has to give.  They prove that people can be changed for the better in Christ.
      The part about the letter, the law, veiled faces and all refers to Moses' receiving the Ten Commandments (engraved on stone).  The Law/commandments of the Old Testament is seen as a lesser glory than the grace received in Christ found in the New Testament.  When Moses received the Ten Commandments- which teach us where we fail but do not teach us how to be forgiven/saved- he had a glow about him- a temporary glory.  But we work for an eternal glory.  Give yourself for the eternal glory- and you will find confidence and hope. 

Prayer: Lord, give me confidence in you.  We put no confidence in our own temporary bodies. Use me to spread your glory to be a letter to others for you. 

Moses with glowing and veiled face