CHAPTER 3 (ESV)

 

¹² Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, ¹³ not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. ¹⁴ But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away.¹⁵ Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts.¹⁶ But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. ¹⁷ Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. ¹⁸ And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

 

REFLECTION

1. Paul looked back to Moses and the incident of the veil (v13) to contrast Old and New Covenants. Moses’ face shone with glory after each visit he had with God (Ex 24:29-35). But that glory faded after a time. The glory of the Old, in which Moses went to God, faded as Moses left His presence. The glory of the New shines ever brighter, for God’s Spirit has come to us never to depart, and He is transforming us from within.
2. When we “behold” (v18) the splendor of God revealed by Christ, we find ourselves changed by it. Gradually, by the power of the Spirit, we are being transformed into Christ’s likeness, the way that God had intended for us to be when he created us.
3. Though there are still warts and blemishes all too visible, we are growing and changing. In the process of the ever-increasing glory of the transformation taking place, “The Christian is the person who makes it easy for others to believe in God.”
4. Pray: Lord, help me to reflect more of your glory and to become easier for others to see you and believe in you.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.

If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.