Scripture:

“The old way, with laws etched in stone, led to death, though it began with such glory that the people of Israel could not bear to look at Moses’ face. For his face shone with the glory of God, even though the brightness was already fading away. Shouldn’t we expect far greater glory under the new way, now that the Holy Spirit is giving life? If the old way, which brings condemnation, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new way, which makes us right with God! In fact, that first glory was not glorious at all compared with the overwhelming glory of the new way. So if the old way, which has been replaced, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new, which remains forever!

 

Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold. We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory, even though it was destined to fade away. But the people’s minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand. But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 (NLT)

 

Perspective:

Paul, writing to the church at Corinth, told the people of Moses who had a unique encounter with God in the Old Testament. Moses had to veil his face after being in the presence of the Lord, because his face was so bright, reflecting the glory of God. When he was in God’s presence, his very countenance changed, and the people had to look away. Even under the law, God’s glory was on display. Moses had unique access to be able to communicate with God as the leader of the Israelites. The veil created a separation between Moses and the people. However, through Jesus Christ, the access to God’s presence, which was limited in the Old Testament to specific people, has been given to all. Paul exhorted the people that faith in Jesus brings His presence into our lives and changes our hearts. It removes the veil of sin. In 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV), Paul goes on by saying, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” There is something glorious and freeing through reflecting God’s presence in our lives. With this understanding that God is at work, changing our lives is not confined to what we can do, but what God has already done through Jesus. 

 

When Jesus died for our sins, grace entered our stories in a whole new way. When we were stuck in our sin, change seemed far from possible. Yet, when we encounter the grace of God, it begins to change us. God doesn’t just invite us into new life when we first give our lives to Him; He graciously offers us new life everyday. You may be facing a struggle today, and it feels like you won’t ever change. You may not be able to on your own strength, but with Jesus Christ working in us, we can leave behind the chains that bind us to guilt and condemnation. The struggle may not feel glorious, but what God is producing in us will create a greater glory for His purpose. While we may think God’s great glory is displayed through other means such as creation, it can also be displayed through our lives – a reflection of God’s grace, living and working in us. Therefore, we can walk confidently, knowing God is not finished working in our lives and hearts. God is not finished making us more like Him. This confidence enables us to walk with boldness and humility in allowing grace to change our stories, as well as sharing this glorious grace with others. 

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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About Hona Amer

I help people live life to the fullest. Check out my book, Smart Work U. Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. In order to receive updates, subscribe below.

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