The Ministry of the New Covenant

6He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

7Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, transitory though it was, 8will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? 9If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! 10For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. 11And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts! (2 Cor. 3:6-11)

Thoughts: On this Labor Day, I am writing about the Labor given to each of us. Paul was not a full time minister- but a tent maker volunteering his time to go all over the world for Christ.  Paul is comparing the ministry of the New Covenant (New Testament) with the ministry of the Old Covenant (Old Testament).  The Old Covenant was a ministry of the letter of the Law.  The Law convicts us of our sin, but does not give us a great way to get forgiveness for our sins.  The sacrificial system disappeared with the destruction of the Temple, and was downgraded in importance when the first Temple was destroyed in 586.  The Law given by Moses was glorious because it was given by God.  The glory of the Law was symbolized by the glory of Moses' face after receiving it.  But the glory of the Spirit is even more glorious.  The Spirit tells us not only how to live (as the Law did), but how to obtain forgiveness and eternal life.  To be a part of the ministry of the Spirit is a true blessing.  

Prayer: Lord, you have given each of us a ministry of living for you.  Thank you for this.  Help us to be good stewards of the glorious ministry of following you and sharing your love with others.